Interview Tips

Interview preparation

How you present and market yourself at interview is crucial in determining whether or not you will secure the job you want.

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the best advice, hints and tips for a successful interview.

The basics

Before your interview, ensure that you know the following:

* The exact time and location of the interview, route, transport options, parking and how long it will take to get there.

* The interviewer’s full name.

* Specific facts about the company – its history, financial position, mission, markets, competitors, latest news, products and services.

The company’s website is often an excellent source of this information.

* Facts and figures about your present or former employer. Refresh your memory on this as you will be expected to know a lot about a company for which you have previously worked.

Dress

Dress like a professional, in a smart business suit with a clean, ironed shirt and tie (or blouse, or suit dress if preferred) and dark shoes.

Do not wear casual clothes!

Preparation

Review your CV and ensure you are equipped to answer questions based on the information on your CV. Use examples from your career or personal life to demonstrate your skills and competencies. Also review the job description and the core competencies of the role. Examine your suitability and prepare specific examples before the interview.

Example Q & A

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

This is a common first interview question and is designed to just get you talking. The interviewer is looking for you to talk for a few minutes and wants you to summarise your experience relating to the role and your suitability.

The important thing is to be concise a good structure would be to describe your current job, some career highlights and details of your education, and include something about you as a person, perhaps your aspirations for the future. If you have no work experience then talk about your education and...