Interview preparation
Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview performance. Your ability to demonstrate your interest in the organisation and enthusiasm for the position you are targeting requires considerable research and preparation.
To prepare well you should:- Read the job ad and/or position description so you are clear on the skills required for the job. These are the skills they will be assessing at interview. If the ad is not very specific, use the employability skills as a guide.
- Think of interesting examples that demonstrate these skills. Don't just use examples from University. Employers want to hear about your range of experiences, including work, placements, involvement in sporting teams, volunteer work etc. Use the STAR framework to structure your responses to questions that ask for a specific time or example (behavioural questions)
- Prepare a tailored 60 second spiel that could respond to the question "Tell us about yourself"
- Research the employer. Depending on the organisation, your research should give you an understanding of their business, values, key projects, markets, client base, and challenges. Don't limit yourself to only reading their website. That won't give you information that will help you stand out from everyone else!
- Research the industry more broadly and know how the organisation fits within it. Use newspapers, professional journals, annual reports, blogs, professional contacts, and the internet.
- Research the interview panel if you have been given their names. Understand their roles and backgrounds.
- Prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview. Avoid asking questions that could be answered via their website or other easily accessed information. Some examples include:
- What are the expected achievements to be attained - targets/performance indicators?
- Why is the position vacant?
- What is the organisational and team structure?
- What are the opportunities for professional development?
- How do you think the impact of XXXX will affect your offshore operations? (Or similar question that demonstrates you knowledge at the same time)
- Practice, practice, practice! Out loud, in front of the mirror, to any family member or friend that will listen! Be aware of what you say as well as your body language. Just make sure on the day you do not sound rehearsed!
Finally, look out for the KickStart Skills 4 Work seminars presented throughout the year (especially at the start of each semester) on aspects of the selection process to help you wise up for interviews.
Now check out on the day...tips towards for success to help you succeed on the day of the interview
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