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Interview Advice:
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your interview and land your next job.
Interview Do's

  • Always research any company you are meeting with - check their website.

  • If a job brief is provided pre-interview ensure that you have read it thoroughly. If there is any part of the role you are unsure of, show initiative and research it online. If it’s something you don’t have experience with, see if there are online tutorials you could do should you get the role to give you a head start. You can mention in the interview that while you don’t have experience with that particular aspect of the role, you are willing to get up to speed on it in your own time prior to starting should you be successful.

  • Confirm all important details such as the names of the interviewers, their roles within the company, the time and location and map out how you will get there (public transport times, parking etc.)

  • Dress accordingly - while it is true that the rules of dress in the workplace have changed in recent years, in most cases you will still be expected to wear corporate attire to an interview.

  • Give yourself plenty of time to get there, coordinate your transport. Arrive on time at the interview, at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. If you have to spend a few minutes waiting, it is better than being late. Please remember it is also rude to be too early.

  • Switch off your mobile phone, or at least turn it to silent mode before you enter the building.

  • Know the names of the people you will be meeting. If you are not sure of the pronunciation of the names, ask the receptionist.

  • Shake hands with a firm grip. It is a very important part of the introduction process and first impressions do count.

  • Be yourself rather than what you think the interviewer wants, it's too hard to keep up pretences afterwards.

  • Always bring a copy of your resume with you, that way if you are asked about anything specific you’ve mentioned on it you won’t have to ask to see their copy of it to refresh your memory.

  • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. If you are in a panel interview - try to address each of the panel.

  • Listen carefully to the questions and ensure you stick to the point when answering. You can give examples where relevant but do not deviate from the point just to fit in something you wanted to say. You can add that in at the end of the interview if needs be.

  • Avoid one word answers. Take time to think about the question, describe a situation, the action you took and the outcome.

  • Most interviews involve you being asked to outline your key strengths, ensure you have prepared your answer for this beforehand. Be careful not to come across as arrogant though.

  • You may be asked about your weaknesses, instead of saying you have none, prepare something constructive to say, e.g. “I sometimes struggle to delegate and can get stressed if I take on too much myself, but I am constantly trying to improve this issue”.

  • Inevitably you will be asked at the end of the interview if you have any questions. Make a list of questions to ask. Some examples could be career progression, how your performance will be measured, why the position is available, and anything that came up during the interview that you feel needs clarification.

  • Shake hands again at the end of the interview, thank the person for their time and say that you look forward to hearing from them.

  • Please call us immediately after your interview to provide feedback on how you felt the interview went while it’s fresh in your mind.

Interview Don'ts

You would be surprised how many people have done and said these things! These are just some of the things encountered during interviews over the years.

 

  • Don’t ask about salary/bonus is in the interview unless they discuss it with you

  • Don’t bring up your current salary unless specifically asked about it

  • Don’t bad mouth your previous employers or colleagues, they won’t want to risk you doing the same again should you be hired and later part ways. To some it will also seem like a hint that maybe you don’t deal with conflict or teamwork well

  • Do not interrupt the interviewer

  • Don’t ramble – stick to the point

  • Never lie or embellish, you will get caught out

  • Never look at your phone during an interview!

  • Don’t look out the window/tune out – stay focused

  • Don’t keep looking at your watch

  • Don’t ask about the company’s sick leave policy

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