Just one more step until you’re hired - the interview. Like any performance, it’s natural to feel a little nervous or daunted about the interview process. Most employed people have been through it and lived to tell the tale, including the people interviewing you, so they understand what you’re going through.
The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you will be.
sections in this page
Before you even know you're going
Getting ready for the interview
During the interview
After the interview
Before you even know you’re going
If you’re job hunting always have a notepad and pen nearby.
You never know when an employer may call with the details for your next interview.
- Know your availability
Keeping a diary is a good idea and try your best to be available when an employer wants you to come in.
- Be professional
If an employer does call to arrange an interview, be professional. Speak clearly and make sure they can hear you. Thank them for the opportunity. Before ending the call, repeat the interview details back to them to confirm you have them right.
- Confirm the details
If they write to you or email, make sure you get in contact at your earliest opportunity to confirm arrangements.
Getting ready for the interview
Your first step is to thoroughly research the employer and the position then highlight your main selling points. Resources could include the company’s website and brochures and any job descriptions they have provided, or even a “drive by” of the workplace.
- Think about what they might ask and what you might say
- Mock interviews can be helpful
Prepare questions for a friend or family member to ask you or go over the questions yourself, saying the answers out loud. If you decide to do a mock interview with another person, ask them to throw in some questions you hadn’t thought about as this is bound to happen in the real interview and you need to get comfortable with it. Being prepared means you will feel more confident in the real interview. Be careful not to sound too rehearsed though. You want to come across as natural and friendly, clear and confident.
- Prepare some intelligent questions to ask the interviewer
This shows you have prepared for the interview and are keen for the job.
- Read your cover letter and résumé before going
You'll probably be asked about certain points in them.
- Be sure you know how to get to the interview
It’s a good idea to plan your journey in advance and if possible do a dry run, so you know where you’re going and can relax on interview day.
- Plan to get there early
You don’t want to arrive stressed out and flustered. Make sure you allow plenty of extra time for traffic or transport delays, and have a contact phone number with you in case something goes wrong. It’s probably a good idea to be near the building about half an hour before, then go in about 10 or 15 minutes early. Advise the receptionist who you are and who you are there to see. This shows you are keen. On the other hand, don’t be too early and expect attention. This can be annoying to busy employers.
- Have your interview clothes selected and ready to go the night before
Make sure you dress appropriately for the organisation and position you are applying for. If in doubt, always dress more professionally rather than casually. Make sure you’re well groomed.
- Don’t bring too much with you to the interview
Ensure you can comfortably manage what you have with you if you take a folio. You don’t want to appear awkward.
- Make sure you've got everything you need
Before leaving make sure you have everything the employer has asked you to bring, like original copies of certificates and references for them to view.
- Get a good night's sleep before your interview so that you can think clearly
- If you have a mobile phone, turn it off before entering the building
During the interview
- You might be interviewed by one person or a few
If it is more than one person, this is known as a panel interview. If appropriate, shake hands with or acknowledge each panel member when you enter the room.
- It's normal to be nervous
Being a bit nervous is normal, but do your best to appear calm, friendly and confident.
- If it's a panel interview make sure you involve all the panel members
In other words, don’t just talk to the one that seems to be responding to you the best.
- Make sure you sit up straight and don’t fidget
- Speak clearly so you can be heard
- Be enthusiastic and positive about yourself
But don’t try to sell so hard that you come across as arrogant and aggressive.
- Answer briefly, but avoid yes and no answers
Employers want to find out about you, what you know, and how you’ve worked in the past.
- Ask them to explain if you're not sure
If you're not sure about a question the interviewer is asking, ask them to explain or clarify the question. This is fine and shows you are not afraid to ask questions to get things right. Of course, try not to ask for clarification too often.
- Stay calm
If you’re not sure what to answer to a particular question take a moment to calm down and think about your response. Pausing is perfectly okay and shows that you don’t panic under pressure.
- Don’t embellish or lie
It’s sure to come back and bite you at some stage.
- Don’t get off the track and make inappropriate comments
Answer what you are being asked. The interviewers don’t want to hear what’s wrong with your current employer or about any personal problems. If they ask you why you’re leaving your current job, it’s perfectly acceptable to say that you want to develop your career or make a career change.
- Thank the interviewers
When the interview finishes thank the interviewers for their time. Even if you think the interview has been a disaster, be polite. It may not have been as bad as you thought. They could even be thinking of you for another more suitable position.
After the interview
- Make some notes about what happened or debrief with someone who you respect
This will give you the opportunity to think about what you can improve on next time. For example, perhaps you were asked a really tough question and want to consider an answer should you be asked it again.
- Send a follow-up letter or email within a couple of days of the interview. Thank the interviewer again and confirm your interest in the position.
- Ask for feedback if you don't get the job
Ask them what you could improve on in terms of how you interview, as well as if they thought your work skills and experience were lacking in any area. This will help you with future interviews.
- Thank your referees
Give your referees a phone call to thank them for their time.
