| Interview Tips and Strategies |
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| Congratulations! JET has found you your dream job, you've written a great resume with some help from the JET resume builder, and low and behold, you've landed an interview! It's natural that you experience feelings of anxiety and excitment (how are your nerves?), especially if it's your first interview. |
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| Following are some important tips that JET hopes, will help you make the most of your interview. With some of the preparation we suggest, you should find yourself out in the workforce, learning and earning, in no time. Good luck! |
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| An interview is basically all about selling one thing - YOU. It's all about convincing the employer you are the right person for the job. In making this appraisal the employer will assess such things as your skills, strengths and weaknesses, work experience, and how you personality would fit the culture of the organisation. |
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| Focus on your "performance" rather than the contest (or outcome) that an interview presents. This way, you will concentrate on little things that can influence the employer's appraisal, such as the way you introduce yourself or answer a particular question. Put in a solid "performance" and the contest / outcome will take care of itself. |
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| Preparation |
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| A thorough preparation - is the most important step you can take to performing well. Employers are often amazed at the number of applicants who don't bother to find out basic facts about the industry, profession or organisation. It's unlikely you'll be selected for a job without knowing and talking about what the job involves. Also, you need to be aware of your own selling points. Ask yourself, "What am I good at?" and "What do I want in this job?". As a checklist, be sure to: |
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Find out the details of the position - especially those qualities that the employer is looking for. You might ask for a position description prior to your interview, or speak to someone doing similar work, about his or her job. |
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Research the organisation - find out about specific facts about the business, e.g. what its products and services are; and how many stores and offices it has, and their location. Employers like applicants who are keen to work for their business, and showing initiative in researching the company is an effective way of demonstrating this. You might want to talk to someone who either works for, or has knowledge of, the business in question.
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Be clear about your skills and abilities, personal qualities and experience - One of the best ways to demonstrate your skills is to relate them to practical examples. For example, you might have been captain of a sporting team or interest group. What does this translate to? It's a good way of demonstrating your leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to accept responsibility. You must be prepared to talk about yourself (without overdoing it), so be forthcoming with information about you.
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Think about questions you may be asked - when preparing answers to questions likely to be asked, it is important to keep in mind what it is that employers are really seeking in an Employers. Anticipating what you might be asked is a good way to approach it. |
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| Other Pre-Performance |
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Having knowledge about the job and yourself is most but not all of the battle. A number of other factors can still affect your performance. Make sure you: |
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Know the interview logistics - be clear about the exact time and place of the interview and the interviewer's full name (and correct pronunciation). Consider transport and parking arrangements. These may seem obvious, but you will be amazed at the number of applicants who turn up on the wrong day, or wrong place or even ask halfway through the interview if they can go and put money in the meter. Sound impressive?? |
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Understand the interview context - know the process and structure of your interview. Is it a first round interview? How many rounds are there? How long will it go for? Does it just involve an interview or are there other considerations such as a test or tour of the organisation? What is the work role of the person(s) doing the interviewing? |
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Understand the type of interview - there are a range of different selection procedures to assist employers in the screening process. Interviews may take the following forms: |
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One to One |
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Panel interview |
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Group interview - with other applicants. |
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Prepare questions to ask the employer - remember an interview is a "two way street". By asking questions, you reinforce your interest in the position and your preparation.
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| Post Performance |
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| Your goal after each interview is to improve your performance next time. Treat every interview as a learning experience - remember what went well and what needs to change. Seek feedback from the interviewer and, if appropriate, incorporate their suggestions in your next performance. |
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Good Luck! |