Interview techniques

How to prepare for that big interview

Let’s be honest – interviews are daunting. Luckily, you can increase your chances of nailing the interview by conducting yourself professionally on the day. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and succeed at that big interview.

Before the interview

There’s no such thing as over-preparing for an interview – the better prepared you are, the less nerve-wracking the interview will be.

Prepare answers

While it’s impossible to know exactly what an interviewer will ask, typical questions include:

“Why do you want this job?”

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

“Why are you leaving your current job?”

Use positive body language

Body language is important. Greet the interviewer with a smile, use a firm handshake, and always maintain eye contact. Try to gauge your interviewer’s tone and manner in those first few “ice-breaker” minutes before the interview gets going.

During the interview

Here’s how to handle the toughest part – the interview itself.

Be confident

When the interviewer asks you about your skills, don’t be afraid to talk about your strengths and achievements. Remember, this is your time to shine – show the interviewer why they should hire you, and why you’ll be an asset to the team.

Answer the question

It’s really important to stay focused and answer the question you’re asked. The toughest questions to answer are behavioural; for example, if you’re asked to describe a time when you managed a project or handled conflict. Always tie your answers back to your skills, and use clear, concise language.

Ending the interview

Don’t forget to leave a great impression before you walk out of the interview. Here’s how to ensure that your interviewer remembers you for all the right reasons.

Ask questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Candidates who ask interesting questions show that they care about the job opportunity. Prove that you’re already imagining yourself as part of the team by asking questions like:

“Are there any further steps in the interview process?”

“What are your expectations for this role within the next six months to a year?”

Thank them for their time

Always show gratitude. Thanking the interviewer shows them that you value their time and that you’re truly grateful for the opportunity to work with their team.

Leave confident

Maintain a confident, positive attitude as you leave the interview room. You have every reason to smile – if you followed our advice, chances are high that you aced your interview!

 

Posted in

devadmin@jxt.com.au

16 Dec 2019

devadmin@jxt.com.au