Interview preparation
Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview performance. Interviewers never cease to be amazed by applicants who drift into their offices without any apparent preparation and only a vague idea of what they are going to say. Your ability to demonstrate your interest in the organisation and enthusiasm for the position you are targeting requires considerable research and preparation.
Get the basic details first
When you are asked to interview for a particular position, find out what type of selection techniques are going to be used in the recruitment process eg. single interview or a series of interviews, role play or group activity. Find out if one person or a panel of people will interview you. Find out each person’s name and position within the organisation so you can ascertain what part of the organisation they represent. You may discover that an external consultant will conduct part of the assessment process or initial screening of applicants.
Ensure that you obtain accurate details about the date, time and location of your interview. This may sound obvious, yet candidates still manage to arrive late to interviews with excuses such as parking and traffic problems or that they couldn’t find the building. This conduct reflects a lack or organisation and attention to detail and you will be judged poorly as a result. There is no excuse for being late. Dress in the same style as representatives of the organisation and pay attention to all facets of your appearance, right down to your shoes. Try to fit in with the employer’s image.
Be aware that any interaction you have with the employees of an organisation when you are seeking work may contribute to the assessment of you as a candidate. When you phone for a position description or to ask for further details about the job, be prepared to be polite and answer any questions regarding your application, regardless of whether you are talking to the receptionist or someone you assume is disconnected from the selection process. Similarly when you arrive for an interview, when you’re being shown around the workplace, or when you’re asked to attend a social event, remember that you are on display.
top of pageResearch the employer
Find out specific facts about the organisation:
- where the offices are located
- the number of employees
- the organisational structure and culture
- the range of services or products
- the markets it operates in
- who the customers or clients are
- recent growth of the organisation
- growth potential and direction for the future
What is the employer looking for?
Many organisations have promotional material about their services or products that can be obtained from them directly and will indicate the qualities they seek in recruits. The internet is another valuable source of information. This website contains links to appropriate search engines, recruitment agencies and other useful sites. Most importantly, talk to people you know who can provide you with information about the organisation and what they look for.
Some of the employability skills often sought after are outlined, including things to think about in terms of your experiences and some statements that may help you articulate your skills. You will quickly realise that employers are not just looking at your academic ability or where you studied but how you can add value to their organisation. It is therefore imperative that you research the organisation and the position so you’re aware of the key attributes required.
Research the position
Find out as much information as you can about the position and the skills and attributes required before the interview. Use the job advertisement and position description (if available) in your preparation, focusing on the selection criteria or requirements of the role. Interview questions will be framed around these documents and the information contained therein. Talking with a person who works in a similar role about the job is an excellent way of determining whether your perception of the role and the day to day reality of the job match. This is not always possible to accomplish beforehand, so ensure that you ask appropriate questions at the interview, such as those outlined below:
Questions to ask
- Why is the position vacant? Or, if it is a new position, why was it created ?
- What is the organisational and team structure?
- What is the job’s level and manner of supervision?
- What are the main responsibilities of the position?
- What will be the key obstacles and challenges encountered in doing the work?
- What are the expected achievements to be attained - targets/performance indicators?
- What are the roles of other staff with whom the incumbent would interact?
- What are the opportunities for induction, professional development, travel and promotion?
- Who are the company’s competitors?
- What are the company’s future plans for growth/streamlining/diversification?
You may choose to ask more specific questions depending upon the factors that are of personal importance to you. For example, your questions may seek to determine the opportunities for travel within an organisation, whether a career mentor program exists or whether there are social events that you can become involved in.
On the day – 10 tips towards success
- Be punctual, well groomed and wear appropriate attire for the profession you have chosen -remember most employers are fairly conservative.
- Be friendly, professional and smile! Use the names of the people you’re introduced to. Expect to shake hands firmly, and do so when a hand is extended to you, whether you or they, are male or female.
- Try to relax – nerves are natural, but slow down and take a few deep breaths to compose yourself; remember, you’re there because they’re interested in you.
- When offered a seat, sit upright and don’t slouch, fidget or chew gum.
- Be prepared – concentrate on answering questions by drawing on concrete examples from your experiences that demonstrate the skills being tested.
- Listen carefully and don’t interrupt. Ask the interviewers to clarify information if necessary.
- Speak clearly and confidently - don’t mumble or go too fast. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
- Prepare a list of pertinent and well-informed questions to ask
- Take a copy of your career portfolio with you to the interview – including your application letter, resumé, and any other appropriate documentation such as your academic transcript or referee details.
- Thank the interviewers for their time and tell them you want the job (if you do!). After the interview, write a thank-you note to the employer to thank them for the interview and reaffirm your interest in the position.
If for any reason you are unable to attend the scheduled interview, always advise the employer as soon as you can. Being a ‘no show’ is considered unprofessional and will be remembered by the employer. It also prevents other students from having the opportunity to be interviewed.