Tips For Interviews

Tips For Interviews

First Impressions Count!

Competition for good jobs is fierce. Your prospective employer has sifted through a lot of candidates to find the right one for the job – and you are to be interviewed to see if you are the right one.

You have made the shortlist and this should boost your confidence. It indicates that you obviously have a lot of the qualities, and the right qualifications, required for the role and the working environment.

Now is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are the best person for the job.

Make sure you arrive in good time.

Being on time makes a lasting, and positive, impression. If you are unfamiliar with the office location, ask for explicit directions so that you can gauge the length of time it will take to get there. Check bus and train times and petrol and parking if you are driving.  Always allow extra time to get to your appointment. If you are early you can always find a café and spend a little time preparing.

Carry an extra resume, a just in case copy. You may be asked you to fill out an application form when you arrive and a copy of your resume is handy for this process. Have the names, addresses and phone numbers of your three referees with you and any other documentation that you may need such as identification, copies of your qualifications and any letters of recommendation.

In Australia you are required to prove your entitlement to work and you may need to provide the following information:

For Australian Residents and Citizens:

• an Australian birth certificate (issued before 20 August 1986)
• an Australian citizenship certificate
• a certificate of evidence of citizenship
• an Australian passport  

For Visa Holders:

• a valid visa with permission to work
• a valid Passport

During the interview make sure you listen carefully and answer all questions concisely and positively. Look everyone you meet in the eye, not only at the introduction, but also during the interview process. Try to be clear, concise and confident about who you are and what you have to offer the company. Ask clear, concise and confident questions about the company and their mission and goals. Where possible, and appropriate, demonstrate your enthusiasm.

What influences the interviewer?

• Your personality and how you present yourself in the interview
• Your experience
• The qualifications you have for the position
• Your background and references
• The enthusiasm you have towards the organisation and position

Do:

• Arrive ten minutes early
• Answer the question that is asked and do not volunteer irrelevant information
• Keep your answers concise and concentrate on facts not opinions
• Speak clearly and confidently and do not allow yourself to be discouraged
• Make sure you speak to all of the people present rather than focusing on one person if it is a panel interview
• Constantly remind yourself that you have something to sell and focus on how you can make a positive contribution in the role
• Find out as much as you can about the organisation and the job

Dont:

• Be late
• Try to be too clever
• Lie, pretend or give evasive answers
• Lose your temper, get flustered or panic
• Criticise your current or former employers
• Interrupt the interviewer

Say Thank You:

Thank the person or people who have taken the time to interview you before you leave, they have spent considerable time looking over your documentation prior to seeing you and thanking them creates a great impression.

Dressing for the Interview:

You won’t get a great job because you are wearing the right outfit - but you may miss out on it because you are wearing the wrong one!

If possible try to find out what current employees generally wear to work. Company web sites can be a great source of information, and common sense goes a long way.  If you are going for a corporate role a suit is a sensible suggestion, but it might be a little over dressed for a role as a storeman and packer.   Always aim to be well presented, the scruffy look does not inspire prospective employers.

Dos:

• Suits – for corporate and administrative roles a smart business suit is generally a safe bet but there are no hard and fast rules.
• A clean, smart shirt and trousers may be suitable for men.
• For women a skirt, smart trousers and a top can present very well, and remember not to be too revealing, this is a job interview not a date.
• Hair – clean, tidy and well trimmed/presented.  If hair is long is should always be tied back for men, and well brushed and tidy for women.
• Make-up – less is best and natural looking works well for the daylight hours
• Accessories – always go for less is best with accessories.  Small, complimentary, and under-stated, for both men and women is always a safe option. 
• Novelty ties should be kept for weekends.
• Jewellery and perfume should be kept to a minimum
• Piercing may not be looked on well by prospective employers and it might be worth considering removing nose, lip, or eye ring, prior to an interview.  Some companies have rules about such adornments and you should consider this when apply for some roles.
• Shoes should be clean and well presented.  Dirty and scruffy shoes can ruin a look.