Interview Tips

​Improve Your Interviewing Technique

02/04/2020By author: Tracey Mesken

​Improve Your Interviewing Technique

A job interview can cause a lot of stress but it certainly doesn't need to if you have taken time to prepare.

While it is completely natural and good to experience some nerves before a job interview, the following preparation guide will provide you some simple, effective tips to get you job interview ready and make the most of your face-to-face time with a potential employer.

Always remember that preparation is the key. Take it seriously, practice with a friend or family member and you will gain the confidence and ability to secure that great job you were chasing.

Here is a list of the key basics for preparing for and conducting a job interview.

Preparation

An interview is like an exam: preparation is paramount!

The effort put in BEFORE the interview can be the most vital contributor to your success. It is often the X-factor that will have you perform better than your competition.
Here are a few essential steps to ensure a successful interview:

  • Make sure you know the details of interview time, location and who you’ll be meeting.

  • You may also have a job description, plus some information about the company you’re interviewing with.

  • Look up their website. Familiarise yourself with the products and services the company offers.

  • Refresh your memory regarding important facts and figures of your own employment history.

  • Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

Presentation

First Impressions are lasting Impressions.

  • Make the best first impression you can by being well groomed in appropriate business attire, attending to all facets of your grooming and being careful not to dress too loudly.

  • For males, a suit is the preferred attire, a long-sleeved shirt and tie with long trousers may also acceptable. Ensure that hair is clean, neat and tidy.

  • For females, a suit, skirt or dress trousers with blouse or classic dress are preferable with appropriate stockings and shoes.

  • Ensure make-up, perfume and hair are tasteful and appropriate for an interview.

  • Dress conservatively, until you can assess the corporate dress code at interview.

During the Interview

Be prepared to give well thought-out and clear answers to questions such as these:

  • Tell me about yourself

  • What are you immediate objectives?

  • What are your future aspirations?

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

  • What interests you in the position and/or our company?

  • What do you know about our company?

  • What are your hobbies or interests?

  • What do you do in your spare time?

Here is some basic job interview etiquette which will help create a great impression with your potential employer.

Interview "Do's"

  • Arrive at your interview a couple of minutes early

  • Greet your interviewer with a smile

  • Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down

  • Listen carefully.

  • Show enthusiasm.

  • Be honest. 

  • Use the questions as an opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer

  • Show maturity.

Interview "Do Not's"

  • Enquire about salary

  • Ask about fringe benefits

  • Give one word answers

  • Ramble on

  • Speak negatively

The final step in a job interview will usually be about any questions that you have on the role.

It is always beneficial to ask at least a couple of company or role based questions to show you are keen and inquisitive. Be sure not to ask a question that has been covered off already however as it will appear that you were not listening.

Example Questions to Ask Your Potential Employer

  • Why has this position become available?

  • Can you tell me about the type of person that is successful at this company?

  • How would you describe the culture of the company?

  • What are the company’s growth plans for the future?

  • What will be the next step?

  • How does the position fit into the organisation structure?

  • In what areas do you expect the business to grow the most?

  • How do you feel you rate against your competitors?

  • What orientation or induction programs are available?

  • What is the company’s approach towards external training and development?

  • What type of internal social/sporting activities are organised?

Practice answering these frequently asked questions prior to your interview. 

Be careful not to try to memorise responses.  Simply get comfortable talking about and selling yourself as best you can.  Remember, it’s your time to shine!

  • Tell me about yourself.

  • What are you immediate objectives?

  • What are your future career goals?

  • What have you enjoyed most/least about your previous job(s)?

  • What are your greatest achievements?

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

  • What kinds of management style and team structure do you prefer, and why?

  • How would your friends or people you’ve worked with describe you?

  • What interests you in the position and/or our company?

  • Why did you apply for this position?

  • Have you applied for other positions? If so, what type?

  • Have you been successful? If not, why not? What do you know about our company?

  • Why should we hire you?

  • What salary are you seeking? (don’t bring up salary, working hours or conditions; wait for the interviewer to mention the subject)




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