Knowing how to interview well is an important life skill. Mastering conversations that demonstrate you are the right person for the job will ensure you can land great work throughout your career. We know job interviews can be daunting. But with a bit of practice and these insider tips from our recruitment team, you’ll have everything you need to nail your next interview.
Research the Company
Visit the company’s website and do some online research. It’s essential to understand what your prospective employer does, its values and mission, and market position. That way, you can clearly outline why you are a suitable candidate for the organisation and answer motivational questions such as:
- Why do you want this job?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why do you want to work for us?
Prepare by reviewing the position description
Read the position description or reach out to your recruitment consultant to ensure you are clear on the critical requirements of the role. Understanding what skills, experience, and personal attributes the hiring manager is looking for will help you anticipate and prepare examples to highlight why you are the right person for the job.
It is also essential to read your CV thoroughly and reflect on your achievements before the interview. Most interviews will include these commonly asked questions and behavioural-based questions that require you to be specific in your response.
“luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”
Have a confident mindset before the interview
We see candidates with the required skills and experience miss out on jobs due to nerves. Being nervous is not a bad thing. It shows that you care and want the role. However, nerves can take the focus away from your other positive attributes, affect your interview performance, and create an unfavourable impression.
Here are some practical tips to help you feel confident before you step into the interview:
- Remind yourself that you have interviewed successfully before.
- Reflect on what went well in previous interviews and what you can do to replicate that experience
- Visualise a positive interview interaction.
- Practice your interview responses out loud – this is most effective with a family member, friend, or recruitment consultant who can provide you with both encouraging and constructive feedback.
- Do some power poses immediately before your interview.
However, if you still feel nervous when the interview starts, let the interviewer know. Ultimately, the hiring manager’s end goal is to fill their vacancy. That means they want you to do well in the interview. Therefore, letting them know how you feel will help them take extra steps to make you feel at ease and perform your best.
For example, you could say, “Thanks for meeting with me today. I’m really excited about this role and the opportunity to discuss my experience further. I don’t normally get nervous, but I feel a bit nervous about this interview.”
Dress the part
Find out what the dress code is and dress a bit more smartly, as this will help you feel comfortable and confident in the interview. For example, if jeans and t-shirts are the standard dress code for the tech start-up you want to join, leave the three-piece suit at home, and opt for jeans, dress shoes, and a collared shirt instead.
If you have a video interview, we recommend getting fully dressed. You don’t want to be caught out if you need to stand up during the interview! Avoid colours and patterns you think may distract the interviewers. You don’t want to take the focus away from you and your opportunity to showcase your skills and experience.
Make a lasting impression
To leave a good lasting impression, be on time, maintain good eye contact and positive body language, such as smiling and opening up your body (instead of hunching over or crossing your arms).
Answer the question
When an interviewer asks a question, be specific with your answers, and use examples from past experiences. It’s critical to listen to the questions before answering. Take time to think before speaking, and if you need clarification, ask for it. Remember to say “I,” not “we”. The interviewer is most interested in what you did.
Be prepared for the money question
If the topic of money and your salary expectations comes up, you can take two approaches: be prepared and outline the range you would consider, or ask for some time to respond later. The latter allows you to do more research and consult others before locking in a figure. If you are interviewing through a recruitment agency, your recruiter will manage the salary negotiations on your behalf.
Ask questions you want to know the answer to
Being prepared with questions at the end of the interview reflects positively on you. You can come across as thoughtful, considered, motivated, perceptive, or humble. But interviewing is a two-way street. So, remember also to use the opportunity to determine if the role and organisation is a good fit for you.
You can ask questions about:
- The interviewer/hiring manager. “How long have you been in with the company? What do you like most about working here? How would you describe your leadership style?”
- The role. “Can you tell me about the performance management framework? What are the measures to know that I’m doing a good job? Does that tie into any professional development programs?”
- The organisation. “What are some of the strategic initiatives planned for the next 12 months? What does the organisation value most? Are there any key changes happening this year?”
- The culture. “How do teams collaborate? How long have most people been with the company? What kind of person tends to succeed here?”
Close the interview on a positive note
After the interview, reinforce your enthusiasm about the opportunity, ask about the next steps, and thank them for their time.
Clicks is an award-winning IT recruitment specialist. Our team averages 12 years of industry experience, and we’re on over 80 Preferred Supplier Agreements. As Australia’s favourite IT recruiter, we help candidates find great opportunities and clients find great people each day.
For advice on other job-seeking topics, check out the resources we’ve put together to help you land your next role. If you are on the market for your next IT opportunity, review our job board to see all of our current vacancies. We also have a fantastic referral program that can earn you $500 for every great person you send our way.
