Interviews can be daunting, we totally understand. You’re meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree on your strengths and weaknesses.
As they say ‘If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail’. Successful interviews are all about going in with the right mindset, a clear idea of the role and what you’ll be doing, plus confidence in your ability and skillset. We asked our team for their number one interview tip and here is what they had to say.
Engage, engage, engage
Smile as soon as you walk in the door, engage with the receptionist, and start a conversation with someone in the lift or foyer. You never know who they are or how much influence they have.
– Nat, Business Analyst
Make it personal
Identify and find a common interest with the interviewer(s), light chat is a nice way to bond with them and demonstrate how you’ll fit into the team. Aim to make it a discussion.
– Ramit, Placements Coordinator
Know your company
Preparation is key. Research the company first, know all about them and ask questions about their business. Managers love that you have gone to the effort.
– Adrienne, Placements Coordinator
Nail these five things
Make and learn a list of 5-6 things that you have done in the past that could be applied as a scenario for literally any questions that are asked.
– Gerard, CEO
Just breathe
Your heart is racing, your mouth is dry. Remember to breathe. Take pauses between sentences to give your brain a chance to catch up to your mouth. And don’t be afraid to ask for a glass of water before the interview begins.
– Penny, Marketing
Just be yourself, really
Show them the real you, have a laugh and be personable – people like working with people they like. Be genuinely curious about what they do, at the end of the day it’s not just them interviewing you, it’s you also making sure they are a company you would like to work for.
– Deanne, Program Manager
Look for solutions
It’s okay to admit that you don’t know everything when being asked a question, but always provide a solution or thoughts based on your best knowledge (an educated guess). Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview.
– Kun, Placements Coordinator
