Preparing for an Interview

A job interview is a critical time where you need to demonstrate to the company and hiring manager that you’re the best person for their job.

Here are some pieces of advice on how to get ready for your interview.

Step 1 – Do Your Research

• Researching the company and the industry in which they operate shows initiative, enthusiasm and a keen interest in the role.
• The fastest way to conduct research on a company is online. Start off with the company’s website and then try expanding your search using a search engine. Try to answer the following questions:
  • What are the company’s core products and services?
  • How is the company perceived in the marketplace?
• Find out what you can about the company’s financial situation.
• Try to think like a customer of the company and identify potential improvements.
• Research the company’s competitors and the industry as a whole.

Step 2 – Preparation

• You should ensure you prepare thoroughly so that you are able to talk comfortably about yourself, your experience and how it relates to the role.
• Be familiar with your CV and prepared to answer questions from it. Similarly, ensure you have read the job description thoroughly if provided, and think of ways in which your experience will benefit your potential employer.
• Prepare yourself in advance for common interview questions.
• Conduct practice interviews with friends and family until you can comfortably answer each question without hesitation.
• Prepare questions to ask the employer. This shows your initiative and interest in the role and company.
• Find out where the interview will be, obtain clear directions, and confirm the time.

Step 3 – The Interview

• Make sure your mobile phone is switched off.
• Relax and have confidence in your research and preparation.
• Greet your interviewer standing, with a firm handshake and a smile! Good body language is vital.
• Wait to sit until the interviewer does or until they offer you your chair.
• Sit up straight with both feet on the floor.
• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Try and maintain a comfortable level of eye contact throughout.
• Don’t rush to fill in silence. Think before you speak.
• Use practical examples to illustrate your skills and show how they suit the role and the company.
• Avoid one-word answers.
• Show enthusiasm for the role.
• Speak with clarity and confidence. Close the interview with a handshake and a genuine thank you; make a positive last impression.

Step 4 – After the Interview

• Write down a short summary of the interview while it is still fresh in your mind. Note the areas in which you feel you went well, as well as any questions you found difficult to answer.
  This will help you to prepare for a possible second interview, or with future interviews for other roles.

For more assistance with interview preparation, our team can assist.  Visit our Career Services page or call our team today on 4088 1571.

Eva Grabner
Managing Director
Elite Executive Pty Ltd
www.eliteexecutive.com.au
Cairns | Brisbane