Interview Preparation

Pre Interview Review:

 Your notes from addressing the selection criteria/application

 Notes from discussions with designated contact person

 The prospective employer’s website

 Google the name of the interviewer/s

 Confirm the address/Google the address, if required

 Choose your outfit

Collate:

 A copy a resume

 A copy of your reply to the selection criteria/application

 Application kit

 Notepad

 Pen

 Notes

Notes:

 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

 Situational examples with great outcomes that align to the selection criteria (about 10-12 different examples)

o Questions will be behavioural, hypothetical, reflective or quantitative

 Questions you will want to ask the interviewer

o The current priority for the role

o The dynamics of the team

o The decision making process for this position

o Opportunities for professional development

o Thank you for the opportunity to come to talk to you today about why I believe I am best suited to this role. I possess X years of experience working in a similar role with ABC company and this experience and the skills I possess will mean I can make an immediate positive impact on the role.

 Get there at least 10 minutes early

 Project yourself into the space

 Observe your own body language (power positions)

 Review your notes

 Turn your phone off

Entering the Room

 Create a positive initial impression with good body posture

 Take your time to shake each persons hand, make eye contact and smile

 When ready take a seat (leaning slightly forward)

 Organise your notes and politely ask for permission to refer to them

o I hope you don’t mind but I brought some notes along for reference. Will it be ok for me to refer to them during our discussion?

The discussion

 Set your body posture and breathe normally

 Use your voice well (volume, tone, tempo)

 Rapport building body language (eye contact, handshake, posture, gestures, smiles)

 Listen to and make sure you understand the questions

 Use concise language when answering questions

 Respond using the STAR acronym wherever possible

 Ensure your responses are aligned to the selection criteria and duties/requirements of the role

 Make use of generic and job specific skills when framing responses

Final impression

 Asks relevant and appropriate questions

 Provide a positive summary statement at the appropriate opportunity

Post Interview  Follow up on any required actions (e.g. Referee details, copies of certificates, etc)

o The position, the date, the people involved, time it took

o Key points of your preparation routine

o Key questions asked

o What worked well

o What would you do different

 Set the camera to align with the top of your head

 Do a sound check

 Be aware of what is behind you in the camera’s view

 Lock the door behind you or put a sign on the door

Personal presentation

 Choice of clothing colour (e.g. choose solids; not stripes)

 If you wear glasses, make sure they’re anti-glare

 Maintain positive body language

 Use anti-shine make-up

The interview

 Maintain eye contact with the camera not the screen

 Don’t forget to smile

 Avoid fidgeting

 Watch your hand movements

 Practice, practice, practice!