Interviews and Beyond

Interviews and Beyond

First Impressions - The Interview

So you have finally landed an interview, now what? Once the initial excitement begins to subside, you will probably find yourself anticipating all the possible things that could go wrong in the interview. You might start to have doubts about yourself and wonder how you are going to convince a panel of strangers that you are the person for the job!

Remember that it’s entirely natural to feel nervous and anxious. Interviews can be daunting experiences and most people find them challenging. But there are things you can do to prepare yourself for the challenge. Read on…

What is an interview?

The interview is basically about selling one thing – YOU. It’s all about convincing the employer you are the right person for the job. Through the interaction you have with the employer he/she will be assessing you on your skills, strengths and weaknesses and qualifications, not to mention your attitude, aptitudes, motivation and maturity.

The right approach

A positive way of approaching the interview is to see it not as a contest but more a marketing exercise – a ‘performance’. By concentrating on the performance rather than the outcome, your focus will stay on those factors under your influence. View the interview as a conversation with a purpose.

Logistics

Many job-hunters get so wrapped up in their in-depth preparation they forget to pay close attention to the basics, like the interview time and location. Make sure you are clear about the interview logistics: you should know the exact time and place of the interview; the interviewer’s full name (and correct pronunciation); means of transport and parking factors. Mistakes in this area are surprisingly common and can mean the difference between getting the job and not getting the job.

Interview format

Make sure you know the process, structure and type of interview you will be undertaking. Is it a first-round interview? How many rounds are there? How long will it go for? Who/how many people will be on the selection panel? Interview formats vary, with the most common types being one-on-one, panel and group interviews.

Your questions

Remember an interview is a ‘two-way street’. Asking the interview panel questions reinforces your interest in the position and organisation, and also provides you with an opportunity to find out more. Avoid asking questions that indicate ignorance or lack of preparation; that have already been answered; or that focus on benefits to you (eg. salary). Examples of questions to ask include: What induction program do you have? How are industry changes impacting on organisational direction?

Appearance

Careful planning of your appearance is essential. A well-presented appearance demonstrates that you care about the job and are willing to make the effort. It is generally advisable to dress conservatively. Avoid anything too ‘loud’ or ‘busy’ or that you feel uncomfortable in. Keep accessories simple (nothing that jangles or dangles). Remember to shine your shoes, clean and trim your nails and make sure your hair is neat and styled away from the face. Don’t overdo perfume, aftershave or makeup.

Post-performance

Treat every interview as a learning experience. If possible, seek feedback from the interviewer and incorporate their suggestions in your next performance.

GOOD LUCK!

Step 1 Thorough preparation

Preparation is critical to how well you will perform. Employers are continually amazed at the number of applicants who reveal they do not know the basic facts about the industry, profession, organisation or job.

Step 2 Know the job

Make sure you are clear about the details of the position, especially the selection criteria. Request a position description if one hasn’t been provided, and if possible speak to someone doing similar work.

Step 3 Know the organisation

Find out specific facts about the company, eg. its key products, services and activities; recent events which have had an impact on the organisation; size; strategic direction; etc. Employers look for applicants who demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation. Information sources include annual reports, websites, business directories, trade journals and professional associations.

Step 4 Be clear about what you offer

Make sure you have a range of practical examples ready which demonstrate your skills and abilities, personal qualities and experience. For example, you may have been promoted to Store Manager in your part time retail job. This promotion demonstrates your leadership and interpersonal skills and your ability to accept responsibility.

Step 5 Anticipating questions

There is no way you can predict exactly what interview questions you will be asked, but preparing answers to likely questions can help clarify points in your own mind. ‘Rote learning’ answers is not the way to go, but there is nothing wrong with using possible questions to help refine and clarify the way you articulate your skills, experience and qualities. Try to think of a range of examples you could use to support your answers. You don’t want to simply tell the panel you have skill ‘X’, you want to prove it with concrete examples.

Example Questions

Why should we employ you? Why do you want this job?
This is an invitation to sell yourself on the basis of your interest in the position, skills and personal qualities and how they match the employer’s requirements. The employer is trying to identify how well you understand the organisation’s needs and how confident you are of your qualifications for the job.

Why would you like to work for our organisation? What do you know about us?
This is another effort to establish what you have to offer and how your needs and those of the organisation, complement each other.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
This question is drawing out your ambition, motivation and ability to look ahead. You need to be realistic in your expectations and demonstrate you have given some thought to your future.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
The employer is interested in your assessment of your own abilities. Provide examples to back up your claim. When speaking of weaknesses it is best to answer in a positive way, ie. by expressing your desire to learn more about a certain area, or describing the action you have taken to address a weakness.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
The employer is interested to know why this achievement is important to you and what obstacles you had to overcome to succeed.

What led you to choose this career/Why are you interested in this career path?
Such questions are exploring your motivation and commitment to the work, your capacity for logical thought and your approach to decisionmaking processes.

This article is taken from the 2008 edition of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directory Graduate Opportunities .
The above article is an edited extract of RMIT’s 'Interviews FACT sheet' by Michael Maes produced by RMIT and available on the CD&E Website www.rmit.edu.au/careers

© 2008 Graduate Careers Australia