Preparing for a Job Interview
Receiving an invitation to a job interview can be nerve-racking and exciting at the same time, especially if it's a job you really want.
To ensure that you don't miss any opportunity, it's important to prepare well in advance. Adequate preparation can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during the interview.
Interview preparation
- Review the position description and job vacancy ad.
- Understand the requirements of the role and the skills required.
- Find out as much as you can about the company. Check their website, news articles and social media pages.
- You may also wish to review your own social media profiles. Your interviewer may be researching you too.
- Check with friends or family to see if they have or know anyone who has worked there.
- Build a picture of their company culture.
- Decide what you are going to wear
- Evaluate how you will get there and how much time it will take. Remember, if you’re on time, you’re late.
- Print copies of your resume, and bring a notepad and pen.
- Do you know or can you find out what the interview style will be?
- What questions do you anticipate will be asked?
- Practice your answers using the STAR model.
- Describe the SITUATION
- Describe the TASK
- Describe your ACTIONS
- Describe the RESULT
- What questions will you ask the interviewer? Remember, an interview works both ways.
- Stand up and greet the person interviewing you.
- Make eye contact.
- Speak clearly.
- Stretch our your hand for a handshake.
- Use their name when you say “hello”.
- Remember to smile.
- At the end of the interview, ask when you will hear from them.
- Make sure your referees know they will be contacted.
- Thank them for their time.
- Shake their hands.
