As we said in our 'What Employers are Saying' section, a great interview is what gets you that job! Follow our simple tips and you'll be well on your way to securing that dream job you've worked 4 years at uni for.
1. Create a good first impression
Despite everything you've been taught about 'judging a book by its cover', studies show the most enduring memory one has of a colleague is that made in the first 5 minutes of meeting them. So when you're meeting a potential employer - make it a good one. Dress appropriately, don't chew and definitely don't smoke before the big interview.
2. Look the part
The key rule of thumb in job interviews is to dress like you belong. Nothing sticks out more than an applicant who dresses like they would be out of place working at the company. If you were applying to be an animal carer at Australia Zoo, the Armani and Julius Marlows perhaps aren't necessary.
At an interview for a professional engineer's position, wear professional business attire. No loud colours or outrageous ties. Make sure you shave, and have neat looking hair and nails as well. Polish your shoes, including the back of them as this will be the last thing employers see when you are leaving the room, and will leave a lasting impression.
3. Arrive early
Nothing makes a better first impression than being punctual at a job interview. Bring work to do while you are waiting, to show your potential new employer you are hardworking and committed.
4. Research the company, and your potential position within it
Find out as much as you can about the company through reports, newspapers etc. and your potential position within it. An ability to discuss this in the interview will sit well with employers, and show them how astute and cluey you will be as an employee. It will also help you address the job criteria, as the interviewers will be sure to ask you this.
Sell yourself to the company by talking to them in terms of what they want from you as an employee, as opposed to what you want from them.
5. Be enthusiastic, confident and engaging
No interviewer likes talking to a brick wall, so exhibit enthusiasm and confidence through speech and body language. The ability to have a 2-way conversation with the interviewers will set you apart from other applicants content to have a dull Q&A session.
6. Research possible questions your interviewers may ask
Standard interview questions include:
- Tell us about a time you were asked to lead a team in a group situation, and how you handled it
- Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for this position?
7. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
Rehearsing your interview before it happens will help you gain a sense of familiarity and help prevent 'freeze-up' in the interview. Practice an interview with a friend, co-worker or family member before the big day, and ask them for feedback on what they think you can improve on.
For more tips on how to improve your odds at any job interview, visit CareerOne's interview tips page at:
http://www.careerone.com.au/news-advice/interviews/interview-tips-for-the-big-day-20070430