Getting a phone call or email inviting you to a job interview is a great feeling. However, when preparing for an interview, ensure you present yourself in the best possible way:
- Be available for the interview time. Reschedule less important appointments or meetings around the time of your interview so you do not run late
- If possible, look at the business or organisation’s website to find out more about who they are and what they do
- Have a clean and appropriate set of clothes available to wear to your interview.
Practice answers to possible interview questions
Think about questions your interviewer may ask and plan your answers.
If you have a smartphone or tablet at hand, consider filming your answers to see how you sound and if you need to review your response.
Common interview questions for which you can prepare answers include:
Self evaluation
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What motivates you?
- What are your best qualities
Future plans
- Where do you see yourself in one year?
- Where do you see yourself in three years?
Knowledge and understanding
- How much do you know about our company?
- What do you think you have to offer this company?
- What qualities do you expect from a boss?
- Do you have any questions?
Skills and capabilities
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer.
- Are you a team player?
- What do you consider to be a team player?
- Tell me about a time when you had to rely on your team work skills.
- Describe a time when you had to deal with conflicting time pressures.
Increasing your confidence
You don’t want to seem over-confident in your interview. However, you need to convince the interviewer you have the skills and abilities they need.
Therefore, enter the interview with a positive view about yourself and your abilities.
Resources for helping build self-confidence
Follow-up
Follow up your interview with a thank you email to show your appreciation for the organisation’s interest in your application.
You may be unsuccessful on your first go at finding a job with that organisation. However, they may consider you for future jobs if they see you are genuinely keen to work with them.