Preparing Yourself for an Interview
Interviewing for a job can be stressful, but if you put in some preparation time, you’ll give yourself the best chance to impress! Below are some tips to help you prepare for an interview.
Interviews give the employer a chance to find out more about you, your work experience to date, your talents, what you could bring to the role and where you’d like to take your career. But remember, interviews also give you the chance to find out more about the role and what the company can offer you so that you’ll be able to decide if it’s the job for you.
1. Do your research
You’ll come across well in an interview if you’ve done some research and know a bit about the company. What type of company is it, and what products and services do they offer?
A good place to start is to look at the company’s website or industry magazines and brochures. If you know someone who works for the company they’ll be able to tell you more too.
2. Review the role’s position description
Familiarise yourself with the position description for the role. This will provide you with a better understanding of what you’d be expected to do on a day to day basis and where the role fits within the company. It will also describe the type of person that would suit the role. Use this information to think about what you could bring to the role.
3. Be ready for the questions
Use the position description try to think of questions that you might be asked at the interview and prepare answers for these. Be ready to provide examples that show how you’ve used your skills and knowledge, and what you’ve learned in the past. Review your CV so that your work history and training is fresh in your mind.
4. Think about any questions you’d like to ask
Your research into the company, or reviewing the position description, may help you come up with some questions to ask during the interview.
5. On the day
Present yourself well – you don’t have to go out and buy new clothes, but dress tidily and brush your hair!
Be punctual – know where the interview location is and allow plenty of time to get to there, but don’t arrive too early.
Try to relax – you’ll show your best side if you can calmly interact with those interviewing you.
In the interview, listen to questions carefully and let the interviewer lead the conversation. It’s okay to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or clarify themselves if you don’t understand what they’re asking.
Be positive about the skills and experience you have. Don't give the employer a chance to downplay your abilities by saying things such as "I don't have direct experience in that area". Instead, focus on what you do have or can offer.
More Tips
You can find more tips for attending interviews and answering interview questions online. You can find more resources on: