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You’re going on interview…Some tips to remember
Prepare for the interview
The more you know about the company you are seeing, the more you’ll impress your interviewer. It's vital that you’re aware of what the company does, their size, and their presence in the marketplace. You should also know how the division you're being considered for is run.
We'll do everything we can to give you comprehensive information on the company, along with a full job description. If this material isn't available we'll give you a comprehensive verbal briefing. It's an important part of the process, because giving you the right information will allow you to make the right impression, and therefore the right decision.
Please always make a point of viewing the company’s website and reading any literature provided.
Be punctual
One of the most unnerving situations is to be running late for an interview. Arriving late, hot and bothered will cloud your mind and affect your confidence. Please make sure you allow time for delays. If for any reason you are running late or unable to attend an interview, please telephone your consultant immediately who can let the client know.
Be aware of your presentation
Our clients expect you to be groomed for a professional environment. Women are expected to wear a business suit (skirt or trousers), stockings and court shoes. Men are expected to wear a business suit, tie and black business shoes. First impressions really do count here.
Be aware of your body language
Body language can convey different types of messages. The right body language can signal that you’re a confident, competent individual. Eye contact, the way you use your hands, and the way you’re sitting will create a multitude of subconscious ideas in the mind of the interviewer. Make sure your body language is conveying the message that best represents you.
Make a great first impression
When meeting potential employers it's important to remember that first impressions do make a difference. A firm handshake at the start and end of an interview together with your verbal and non-verbal communication is critical to creating a professional image.
Regardless of how you are feeling about the prospective job go with the objective of getting it! This will ensure a positive representation and create opportunities for you. At the end of the day, the choice will be yours.
Interview styles
Interviews will generally take on different styles, however the end objective will be the same: to identify what your abilities are, and to make sure you're suited to the job. Some interviewers will conduct a ‘competency-based interview’. This style will ask you to give specific examples of situations you've found yourself in, how you coped with those situations, and what the end result was and are generally focused around the topics below.
The key to answering situational questions such as “Tell me about a time when” or “Have you ever been in a situation when” is to answer in the following format, that way you are giving as much information as possible in a clear and concise way.
Give the SITUATION
Your ROLE
The RESULT
Topics often covered in a competency-based interview
Communication – This can be based around oral or written communication and the interviewer is looking for an example of how you related information to a third party in a clear concise manner and what the result was.
Relating to Others/Teamwork – This is finding out how you work within a team, so an example such as working on a project with other people to a deadline, or something similar is what would be expected (including the role you played in the process).
Planning & Organising – The interviewer(s) will be looking for you to tell them about how you would prioritise your workload and how you would juggle multiple tasks or meet deadlines etc.
Energy and Drive – Can be based on what motivates you, such as the team you work with or the type of work that you are doing etc.
Resilience – Is based on how you would handle a difficult situation and you will need to demonstrate that you can remain calm and professional under pressure.
Customer Focus – Use examples of any client interaction that you have had or any contact with individuals outside of your immediate working environment.
Problem solving and decision-making – You will need to give an example that will show how you came to your conclusions and what steps you took to rectify the problem and the result.
Commercial awareness – Really knowing what the company does and what industry they are in and if there are any current topical issues may have affected them. In addition you must be able to give this information about your current and previous employers.
Some typical examples of questions are as follows:
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult individual or situation. What was the situation and how did you deal with it?
- Tell me about a time when you had to juggle a number of conflicting priorities. What were they and what was the end result?
- Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team to achieve an end result?
- Tell me about one of your major achievements. What was it and what was the end result?
Always be prepared for other styles of questioning which interviewers sometimes use. Some of the more frequently asked questions are:
- Strengths – You can use any examples but they need to be positive and try to link them to the specific job you are interviewing for.
- Weaknesses – ensure that whatever example you give you are able to turn it into a positive.
- Where do you see yourself in five years time – Do not sell yourself out of a job at this stage – focus on what the client is looking for and don’t say anything too diverse.
- What interests you about the role – Talk about company visions, the type of tasks that you would be involved in etc.
- Why do you think that you would be good for the position – Match your existing skills with what the job description states the company is looking for
We can provide you with expert guidance and tips relating to specific interviews. However, there are some general rules to follow when answering questions:
- Speak in a clear and concise manner
- Answer briefly, but try to avoid “yes” and “no” responses
- Be comfortable about pausing before you answer a question, it shows that you’re thinking and not giving rehearsed answers
- Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer to a question. Employers always value an honest and open response – if you don’t have an example another way of answering is to say that you haven’t come across this situation previously but if you did you would handle it in “XYZ” way.
- Be prepared for a surprise question, this is often designed to see how you will respond to the unexpected
Talking about money
As you are being represented by Australasian Talent Company we recommend that you do not discuss your salary expectations unless invited/asked to do so by the client. We can address issues for you such as terms and conditions of employment and salary expectations, always representing you in the most professional manner. When we originally submitted your CV it did include details of your salary expectations.
Closing the interview
- Make sure you have some questions about the job or the company prepared for the interviewer. Remember that an interview is a two-way process, and you need to be sure that you want to join them too. Concentrate on issues that are pertinent to you and of interest to the company. This will help you develop a stronger understanding of the job.
- Remember to always keep the door open to opportunity. At the end of your interview make sure you thank the client, give a firm handshake, express your interest in the job, and contact us with interview feedback as soon as possible
Good luck with your interview and we look forward to receiving your feedback.
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