Very few people can waltz into an interview and nail it. Successful interviewing requires preparation. Follow the handy tips below to help you prepare for your next interview.
Get everything ready the night before
Make sure you have everything ready the night before. This will help you both mentally prepare for the interview and ensure there is no last minute panic looking for a piece of clothing or remembering where you left your resume.
Dress the part
Know what you are going to wear and check your outfit is ready to go! Dress slightly more formally than you would wear on-the-job.
Getting to and arriving at the interview
Confirm the location the day before and plan how you are going to get there. Aim to arrive 15 mins before appointment giving you time to wait and compose yourself before the interview starts.
Review the Position Description and Job Advert
Ensure you have the correct job advertisement and position description to review. Re-read both to fully understand the role and requirements.
Prepare STAR responses based upon the role
Look through the job requirements and ensure that when asked specific questions about the role you can respond using the STAR method. This will demonstrate your skills and capabilities.
Review your own resume
The interviewer may ask questions on your resume so ensure you are ready to answer consistently with what is on paper.
Know your interviewer/s – research them on Linkedin
You never know, you might have a common friend or a common interest.
Research the company on LinkedIn
Read about their mission and values and any projects they are working on that might be relevant during the interview process. Also demonstrating to your interviewer you have researched the company can help win them over.
Can you articulate ‘why you’ for the role and the company?
You will surely get asked “why do you think you are a good fit for this position” so be ready to answer!
Prepare “About you” Question based upon the role
An interviewer will ask you to tell them about yourself. Prepare a response that outlines who you are and what brought you to the interview, focusing on roles and experiences that demonstrate your skills and capabilities. Ensure you can tell the story of you confidently.
Prepare three questions to ask at the end of the interview
Asking questions shows you are interested in the role and want to know more. See Questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Have a professional looking pen and notepad to take in with you
You might have notes to refer to, or need to take notes. At the very least it will make you look prepared.
Turn off your mobile and put your smart watch to sleep!
This should be self explanatory but nothing can end an interview quicker than your phone ringing or watch buzzing during the middle of it.
Be yourself!
Preparing for an interview is vital to both the success of an interview and your confidence going into it. Remember to follow these tips.
- Get everything ready the night before
- Dress the part – know what you are going to wear and check your outfit is ready to go! Dress slightly more formally than on-the-job
- Aim to arrive 15 mins before appointment and organise how you are getting to the interview
- Review the Position Description and Job Advert
- Review your own resume
- Know your interviewer/s – research them on Linkedin
- Research the company on Linkedin and their mission and values and any projects they are working on.
- Can you articulate why you for the role and the company
- Prepare STAR responses based upon the role
- Prepare “About you” Question based upon the role
- Prepare three questions to ask at the end of the interview
- Have a professional looking pen and notepad to take in with you – you might have notes to refer to, or need to take notes
- Turn off your mobile and mute your smart watch
- Be yourself!