Interviews

Now that you have the interview this is your chance to convince the interviewers that you are the best candidate for the job. Most interviewers base their decision on their first impression of the interviewee, therefore it is essential to make a good first impression.  Some tips to attain this are as follows:

• Smile and look enthusiastic
• A strong firm handshake can make all the difference.
• Relax - Sit up straight, make good eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t fidget.  
• Know your CV or application form inside out.
• Know about the company - research their website, brochure, reports and accounts, policies, mission statements. Check if they have been in the news lately and for what reason.
• Know about the job
• Know the skills that they are looking for and prepare examples of how you have demonstrated them in your career to date.
• If you have not understood a question or perhaps misheard it don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat or re-phrase the question.
• Appearance and personal hygiene are important factors.
• Time is of the essence - aim to be sitting outside the interview room approx. 5-10 minutes in advance.

Sample Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you applying for this job?
• Why do you want to work here?
• How much do you know about this organisation/company?
• What contributions do you see yourself making to this job/company?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Why have you held so many jobs?
• Describe your personality?
• How would a friend (colleague, professor, supervisor) describe you?
• What is your greatest strength/weakness?
• What have you achieved that has given you the most satisfaction?
• Do you prefer to work alone or with others?
• What have you done in the past that demonstrates your ability to work in a team?
• Describe your style as a team player.
• What kind of people do you prefer to work with?
• Describe your ideal job.
• What have you learned from each of your past jobs?
• Which of your jobs was the least interesting/most interesting and why?
• Describe the qualities that you like most in a supervisor.
• How do you normally handle criticism?
• How do you normally handle stress?
• When you are supervising others, how do you motivate them?
• What motivates you?
• What would you look for in an employee?
• What are you long range career goals/objectives?
• Based on your CV and what you’ve told me, I think you’re overqualified/underqualified or this position – what do you think?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your salary expectations?
• How long do you plan to stay?

Behaviour Based Interview Questions

The assumption behind a behavioural interview question is that the past behaviour predicts future behaviour. When answering a behaviour based interview question remember to:

• describe the situation
• describe how you react to the situation and
• describe the end result of your action
• Tell me (us) about a time when you:
  • delegated a project or job effectively.
  • had to adapt to a new and difficult situation.
  • had to make an unpopular decision.
  • handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.
  • won (or lost) an important contract.
  • made a bad decision.
  • overcame what seemed to be an impossible obstacle.
  • persuaded others to follow your suggestions.
  • showed creativity in solving a problem.
  • were disappointed with the way you handled a situation.
  • worked effectively under pressure.
  • anticipated potential problems and developed preventative measures.
  • had to deal with an irate customer.
  • prioritised the elements of a complicated project.

How to dress for Success

Dressing for the interview:

Remember the interviewer requires people who will represent the company well.

• It is vital to wear a suit to an interview and this applies to both women and men. 
• Make sure you are comfortable in your clothes - you don't want to be fidgeting at your clothes during the interview. 
• Don't wear bright coloured clothes.  Subtle colours are best.
• Ensure you are generally neat, no dirty shoes, or worn or ripped clothes.
• Keep accessories to a minimum.
• Wear minimal fragrance, i.e, perfume or aftershave.  You don't want to overwhelm the interviewer
• Good hygiene is vital

Dressing for the job:

Each employment will have its own dress code.  Students should adhere to the relevant dress code.  If in doubt, ask your supervisor.

• Chewing gum is frowned upon in most employments, particularly if one is dealing personally with members of the public. 
• The highest standard of grooming and personal hygiene is expected. 
• Select clean and wrinkle-free clothes. Your outfit should communicate professionalism.
• Observe what others are wearing to get an idea of what is acceptable, if your company has no written guidelines.

What not to wear
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