The interview stage of the job application process can be stressful for many jobseekers, but being prepared can make the process a lot easier and may even make it a rewarding experience.
It's important at this stage to think positively and have confidence in your experience and qualifications. If your cover letter and resume have already got you an interview, the employer must be interested in learning more about you. And if you don't get the job, learn as much from the experience as you can.
Preparation
Research the organisation, its operations and its reputation as an employer. You can source information from the organisation's website, annual report and other promotional material. In addition, if you have a recruitment consultant, make sure you get as much information from them as you can.
Once you know more about the organisation, prepare some questions that you want to ask the interviewer. Interviews are as much about finding out if the role and the organisation are the right fit for you as they are about actually getting the job. The employer needs to convince you that they have the best job available.
Questions that you may like to ask in an interview include:
- What is the structure of the team I would be working in?
- How many people would I be working with?
- Who would I be reporting to?
- Could you provide an example of the day-to-day tasks I'd be expected to do?
- What are the opportunities for growth and advancement in this role?
- What do you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
- When should I expect to hear from you?
In addition to those questions, consider the role itself, and any questions you could ask that help portray your understanding of the position you are going for.
The interview
First impressions are critical, so arrive on time and look, act and dress professionally. Dress according to the workplace, which will generally be corporate and conservative. If in doubt, wear a suit – even if the organisation isn’t conservative, your interviewer will appreciate your respectful approach.
Treat the interview as a two-way discussion. When responding to questions, demonstrate a good understanding of the organisation and highlight skills and achievements that show why you are qualified for the job.
Interviews are usually based on behavioural or competency questions where you will be asked to provide examples of your work experience and the role you played in specific situations. This is commonly known as the STAR interview method: situation, task, action and results.
Ensure you are prepared to illustrate your experience and explain specific situations and tasks that you've had to complete. Most importantly, explain in detail the action you took to make the situation or task successful.
The first question in an interview is usually a request for a summary of your background.
If you're applying for your first job, focus on extra curricular activities, education and qualifications. It is acceptable to repeat major points listed in your resume or cover letter.
Often there is at least one question that is difficult to answer. Take your time to respond; most interviewers will be more than happy to give you the time you need. If you're really unsure about a question, ask the interviewer to repeat the question and take a moment to consider your response. What you don't say is often just as important as what you do say.
Finally, try to relax, be yourself and answer questions honestly. Sit up straight, lean forward slightly to convey your interest and always maintain good eye contact with the interviewer or panel.
Selection processes
There are various styles of interviews, such as assessment centres and psychometric testing, so be prepared for anything.
Psychology tests in their various forms are used in all levels of recruitment these days and most companies use them during the interview process. When asked to attend an interview, ask whether there will be any testing, what it will entail and how long it will take.
You can't study for a psychology test and the questions are designed to identify false answers, so the best thing to do is answer the questions honestly. Always ask for the results of your test even if you don't get the job; the results may prove valuable for the future.
After the interview
Whether or not you make a follow-up call after an interview is a personal decision. Usually, someone will call you to tell you if you've been successful or not. If you didn't get the job, you've got nothing to lose by asking if there is any advice on how you could improve. You may be surprised by what you learn.
If you're called for a second-round interview, always treat it with as much importance as the first, and don’t be afraid to reiterate information you already covered in the first interview.