Interview Tips

You’ve found the perfect job, sent in a truly outstanding resume and covering letter, and all your hard work has finally paid off – you have been called in for an interview!

You know you are the best candidate for the position … now you just have to convince the employer.  You know if you do well in the interview, the job could be yours.

12 simple tips for a successful interview.  

Going to a job interview can be very stressful. The best way to help relieve this stress is to maintain a positive attitude and be prepared! Listed below are 12 things you can do to make your job interview as stress-free as possible and successful:

  1. Be positive.
  2. Be ready for the questions you will likely be asked. Think of the answers you want to give.
  3. Think about why you want to work for the firm. Do your best to obtain information about the company before the interview.
  4. Know about the job. What likely duties and responsibilities will go with the position? What skills and experience you have to offer, what training you have had and achievements that make you ideal for the position.
  5. Be prepared to give names, addresses and phone numbers for up to three referees. Make sure you have asked permission from the referees to provide this information and that they are happy to provide a reference for you.
  6. Have your resume up to date and make sure you take it with you. Take some extra copies and don’t assume they will bring the resume you submitted with them. 
  7. Make sure you can get there on time. Know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there. It is better to be early! If you know you are going to be late, ring the interviewer and let them know (Remember to note the interviewer’s contact phone number in case of emergencies). Turning up late could end your chances before you’ve even had the chance to impress them.
  8. Allow at least an hour for the interview.

  9. Ask friends or family members for advice. They have been for job interviews so get an idea about the sort of questions that they were asked.
  10. Get some practice. Have a friend or family member interview you for a job. By role playing you can practice how to best answer certain questions rather than feeling tounge tied during the real interview.
  11. Get enough sleep. Prepare your clothes the night before, be bright eyed, clean and neat on the day.
  12. Have some actual experiences which you could reflect on. Describe when answering (for example, a time when you had to deal with a difficult person, or when you have had to work as part of a team and on your own without supervision).

If you put these 12 tips into practice you stand a far greater chance of being successful on the day of your interview.  Good luck :)