Job Interview Tips
The job interview gives the potential employee and potential employer a chance to learn more about each other. It is also the perfect opportunity for you, the candidate to prove that you are the right person for the job.
Preparation
People say that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Careful preparation is key to the success of your job interview. While going to the job interview you should consider the following things.
- Confirm the time, date and location of the interview (including travel time to the location)
- If appropriate confirm you know the name of the interviewer
- On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there
- Conduct some research on the company (size, operations and recent projects) before the interview to show some genuine interest in working for them. This is generally available from the company website.
First Impression
- Give a confident handshake on meeting with your interviewer
- Physical appearance - Dress appropriately for the interview
- Good eye-contact with the interviewer and any others present in the room is important in showing your confidence and social skills
Interview Questions
The following sample questions are questions that are often asked in graduate interviews and we would recommend candidates to consider answers to these prior to an interview:
- Tell me about a time when you have had to use your communication skills to influence someone's opinion?
- Tell me about a difficult decision you have made in the last 12 months
- Describe a situation when you have worked as a part of a team to achieve a result. What was your role within the team?
- What do you see as being your greatest weakness?
- Give an example of a time when you have had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with as part of a team. How did you handle the situation and what was the outcome?
- What are your long/short term goals in life?
You should also be prepared to answer specific questions about university projects undertaken, some employers also require a technical interview.