Interviews and Beyond

Interviews and Beyond

The hot seat: interviews...

If you have a high-quality application and the right skills for the job, you may be invited for an interview. This is your opportunity to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job.

Be prepared

Spend time preparing for an interview – it is well worth it. If you are well-prepared, you will be more confident and better able to respond to the interviewers.

To be prepared:

• Compile a portfolio with job-related information, such as academic transcripts, references, and copies of your résumé
• Review the recruitment information
• Research the organisation
• Read over your application
• Practise answering likely questions
• Ask the contact officer (if appropriate) for information about the interview, such as: what type of interview it will be, the expected duration, if there is anything specific you should bring, the name(s) and position(s) of the interviewers
• Know the exact place and time of the interview, and organise travel arrangements well in advance
• Organise what you will wear in advance (smart professional is the only way to go).

Countdown

In the days before your interview you are likely to feel nervous; this is normal so don’t let it overwhelm you. If you are well-prepared the nerves will not affect your performance. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before and follow these simple relaxation exercises before the interview:

• Take a few deep breaths, and then breath slowly and calmly
• Visualise yourself answering the questions well and confidently
• Tense up different parts of your body, and then slowly release the tension.

Types of interviews

The most common interview types are: one-on-one, panel, campus-based, case-style and behaviour-based.

In one-on-one and panel interviews, the style can vary from formal to relaxed, and will often reflect the personalities of the interviewers. In a panel interview answer the person who asked you the question but use eye contact to respond to other interviewers as well.

Graduate employers often run preliminary interviews on campus, so seize the opportunities at your university. These interviews will give you, as much as the employer, a chance to see whether you are 'well matched'.

In case-style interviews applicants are presented with a hypothetical work situation. As the interviewee, your task is to become the professional: you clarify the facts, present a framework for thinking about the issues and then come to conclusions.

With behaviour-based interviews, also known as 'targeted selection', applicants are asked to give specific examples of their history to show that they can do the job.

Phone and satellite interviews are also increasingly common, especially in Australia because of the distances and costs associated with flying in interviewees from around the country.

Making a good impression

Interviewers will be making judgements about you based on your manner and body language. Along with your responses to questions, these factors will determine the initial impression you make, so send the right signals:

• Be friendly and courteous
• Sit in an alert, receptive and open manner
• Speak clearly and look at the interviewers while talking
• Listen carefully
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.

Common interview questions

Tell me about yourself?
Tip: Be clear and succinct. Don’t waffle.

Why are you interested in working for us?
Tip: Refer to the employer in your answer and what it is about them that attracts you (culture, training, opportunities, etc). Use your answer to reinforce your suitability.

Why should we offer you the job?
Tip: Demonstrate how your skills, experience and qualifications match the job requirements.

What are your strengths/greatest achievements?
Tip: Be clear and confident, but don’t overstate your achievements.

What are your weaknesses?
Tip: Be honest. It will show you are self-aware.

The unexpected

Interviewers occasionally throw in a curly question. All you can do with these questions is take your time – there is nothing wrong with pausing before you answer.

Your questions

There will be a section of the interview where you are invited to seek further information. Have some questions prepared before the interview, such as: What career progression is typical for graduate recruits? What are the longer term goals of the organisation?

Post-interview

For your own benefit, it is good to assess how the interview went. Which skills did the interviewer comment or inquire about? Were there areas where the interviewer showed a negative response? How did you handle difficult questions and how might you do better next time?

Help!

Visit your university Careers Service if you feel your interview skills need developing. They can provide many valuable tips and help you practice.

Q & A with Will Blott, Graduate Recruitment Manager, Unilever Australasia

Is it okay to be nervous?
Nerves are natural, so try and relax. It is as much about you interviewing the company as it is them interviewing you. We are just as keen to find the best people and we know that it’s a competitive marketplace for talent.

What impression should I try and make when I enter the interview?
It is in both your interests and the employers for you to act naturally. Employers don’t necessarily want clones, and they want to know who you are, so just be yourself.

What are the interviewers trying to find out about me?
The interviewer wants to know: Does this person have the ‘smarts’ to do the job? Do they actually want to do it? Will they fit in culturally? Be confident with your preparation and be ready to talk about anything and everything.

Should I ask questions?
If you are genuinely interested in the position you are bound to have questions. The interviewer will welcome insightful questions, so don’t be afraid to ask them. Probing questions from an interviewee demonstrates not only that they’ve given the role serious thought, but that it’s important to them to find the answers that will help them decide. As an employer, such cues suggest that this person is interested and responsible, and open answers can also assure the interviewee that this is a company they wish to work for.