Job interviews

A job interview is an important step on the way to achieving your life and career goals. The important thing to remember is that the people on an interview panel will know little or nothing about you. The opinions they form will depend largely on how you present yourself and on how well you convince them that you are the right person for the job.

There are three important steps in a job interview. They are:

1. preparation
2. presentation
3. performance.

Ten tips about interview preparation

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1. Double check where you need to go and when (place/time).
2. If possible, visit the office or location beforehand.
3. Obtain information about the company.
4. Get there early (10 - 15 minutes beforehand).
5. Have copies of all relevant documents handy (CV, job application, transcript of degree, references etc.).
6. Prepare five questions you can ask the employer (see some suggestions below).
7. Look at the selection criteria and try to imagine possible questions the panel will ask you (see the examples below).
8. If necessary, go through a mock interview with a friend or colleague.
9. Make a list (dot point) of your good qualities and abilities.
10. Review the job advertisement to refresh your memory about the position, just before the interview.

Your presentation is important

How you look has an immediate impact on members of the interview panel. Although the image you want to project depends very much on the specific job, the following guidelines apply in many interview situations:

• be clean and tidy
• dress professionally
• to some extent, dress according to the work context
• women should avoid wearing anything too revealing, transparent or too short and should not wear too much make-up or jewellery.

Men do not necessarily need to wear a suit but should look smart. Wearing a tie is generally a good idea.

You are there to market yourself and your qualities and abilities. Don't be shy about saying what you can do, but at the same time avoid bragging.

• Be prepared to shake hands.
• Wait to be asked to sit and then sit comfortably.
• Look at everyone interviewing you, not just one person.
• Answer the questions - but avoid just 'yes' and 'no' answers.
• Be honest, but do not mention your shortcomings (or if you do, make it sound like 'These are areas in which I think I need to improve', rather than 'I can't do this or that').
• Ensure you focus on the skills which you have developed through work or other areas of your life which are relevant to the position.
• Do not presume the panel members remember details of your application. They may have read many applications and sometimes there is a significant time lapse between the applications and the interviews.
• Do not make negative remarks about your previous employer (this will make you sound disloyal).
• Do not ask about salary, holidays or bonuses.
• and...be sure to smile a lot!

General interview questions

Some questions a prospective employer might ask you (would you be able to answer these?):

• Why did you apply for this position?
• Tell me why I should hire you.
• What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me about yourself.
• How does this position fit in with your career plans?

Some questions that you can ask a prospective employer.

• Is there a probationary period for this position?
• Will I be expected to work individually or as part of a team in this position?
• When will you be reaching your decision about this position?
• If I am successful for this position, when will I be expected to start?

The language of interviews

Interviews are formal situations, so remember to avoid slang, swear words, certain abbreviations and to use correct grammar.

Body language

Ensure that your body language is as confident, sincere and convincing as what you are saying, as it has much more impact!

• When asked to sit your body should be facing the interviewer.
• Look alert, but do not tap your feet.
• Gain eye contact as soon as you walk into the room (and maintain with all panel members, if a panel interview). In a western context eye contact is important.
• Average handshake grip (note: wipe palms before entering interview!)
• Lots of smiling is good, but obviously when appropriate.
• Ensure you are audible (although not too loud).
• If a question is unclear, you can either ask for it to be repeated, or for more complex questions, (e.g. an "if you were in this situation, what would you do" type of question) explain to the interviewer what you think they are asking, before answering.
• If you either stutter, or speak too fast due to nerves, try and breathe more slowly and get to the point.

Remember that these are just guidelines and if you make an error just continue, as it will probably go unnoticed if overall you seem well-prepared and confident.

Finally, despite all of the above advice, try to be "natural" and enjoy yourself. The employer wants to see your personality come through! Visualising yourself getting the job and carrying out the role.

Your turn, practice an interview

Imagine you are applying for a Research Student Coordinator position with the University of Perth. Here is the advertisement that was in the newspaper:

Position Vacant: Research Student Coordinator.

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University of Perth - School of Business

Applications are invited for the above position. The incumbent will need to support research students in the School of Business by ensuring they receive relevant information, attending to requests, ensuring student needs are met and generally promoting an atmosphere which allows research students to further their work. The position will also involve administrative tasks related to record keeping and other University requirements.

Selection Criteria

Essential

Qualifications and/or experience relevant to the role and responsibilities of the position:

• Bachelor Degree or a combination of relevant experience and education/training.

Other additional operational and/or skills/knowledge requirements:

• Computer skills.
• Previous experience in a customer service role which included the empowerment to make own decisions.

Competencies

• Highly developed oral and written communication skills.

Desirable

Other qualifications, operational and/or skills/knowledge requirements:

• Good working knowledge of the functions within the University of Perth Records System.
• Good working knowledge of all policies and procedures pertaining to administration of research students, both local and international.
• Previous work experience related to the administration of research students.

• Can you tell us about the sort of experience you have in customer services roles?
• What are some examples of positions you have had where you were able to make your own decisions?
• This position relates to coordinating research students in the Business School. Would you tell us something about your previous contact with research students?
• This position will require someone with very good interpersonal skills. Can you give us an example of where you had to deal with a difficult customer and explain to us how you handled the situation?
• What are the qualities you would bring to this position?
• Panel members may ask follow-up questions in order to clarify your answers or obtain further information from you.