Careers Corner
Job Interviews
Some Year 11 and Year 12 students may be considering employment opportunities in the near future.
If you are invited to a Job Interview, your Resume / Cover Letter has done its job!
You have only one chance at each job interview.
Job interviews can be a stressful process, but they don’t need to be, especially if you have prepared well in advance.
As with all things, preparation is the key.
- First impressions count
- Be yourself
- Listen carefully (Active Listening)
- Address the job criteria / answer the questions asked (provide examples of how you meet the job criteria)
- Be positive / Be poised
- Practice makes perfect
Job Interview Types
- Exploratory
- Screening
- Decision Maker
- Telephone
- Peer / Group
- Assessment Centre
- Performance / Stress
The Telephone Interview
Telephone interviews take place if an employer / recruiter wishes to reduce the number of candidates before deciding on a short list for face-to-face interviews.
The only thing they can determine during this process is your English Language verbal communication skills; Talk Slowly, Speak Clearly.
Face to Face Job Interviews
Careful and thoughtful preparation is essential before you attend any interview.
It is important that you:
- Give prior thought to what you will wear.
- Men – wear a clean shirt, ironed pants, polished shoes, and a jacket (tie optional)
- Women – wear corporate style outfits (not over the top)
- Laundry – ensure that you have washed or dry cleaned your clothing that you will wear to the interview
- Grooming and personal hygiene – ensure that you have had a shower, comb / brush hair, use after shave/perfume etc.
- Place your mobile on “silent”
What to Bring Along to the Interview?
Document Folder to include:
- Copy of your current Resume
- Copy of the Job Description / Ad
- Original Qualifications / Certificates
- Written References
- Personal Identification documents (Driver’s Licence; Passport; Birth Certificate; etc)
- Tax File Number; Bank Account Details.
- Examples of your experiences / skills and a summary of your achievements; (Purpose: To prompt memory at interviews. Perception: You are organised and have planned for the interview)
Body Language Basics
Non-verbal communicators account for a large part of how people perceive us at a job interview.
What to do………..…
- Always maintain eye contact.
- Address all people in the room.
- Look interested and show that you are listening by nodding.
- Have a firm handshake.
- Be comfortably seated and breathe easily.
- Smile, and appear friendly
- Keep your hands steady (and relaxed) and your posture strong but not stiff.
What NOT to do………..
- Avoid mumbling.
- Crossing your arms.
- Sitting rigid or slouching.
- Nervous gestures like tapping your feet, playing with your hair or crossing your legs.
- Biting your nails or lips.
- Shrugging your shoulders, frowning or yawning.
- Fiddling with pens or paper
- Appearing distracted.
Interview Questions
Behavioural Questions
(Examples of your behaviour – Tell me a time……)
Open Ended Questions
(Expressive - What would you do differently next time?)
Closed Ended Questions (Yes / No)
Hypothetical / Situational
(What would you do in this situation..........How; Why; Outcome;)
Direct (Your Strengths and Weaknesses)
Behavioural Interview
Employers give you the opportunity to present examples that indicate you have the required skills, expertise, qualities and attributes for the position.
The S.A.O. Model. The S.A.O. model is;
(S) Situation:
The Recruiter will be looking for specific examples of what you have completed, faced,
or experienced. (What was the specific task / situation?)
(A) Action:
The action part of your answer refers to the action that you took as a direct result of
the situation. (What did you do?)
(O) Outcome
The outcome part of your answer states what happened as a result of your actions.
This is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the potential employer.
The Employer / Recruiter may ask you several questions along the lines of……
Tell me about a time when you……….? Response: S.A.O.
Possible Job Interview Questions
- What do you know about our company?
- What has been your greatest achievement(s)?
- Why do you want to work in this position?
- What one word best describes you?
- Tell me a time when you provided exceptional customer service?
- Tell me about your time management practices?
- What are your long-term career plans?
- What are the attributes of a good team player?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What did you enjoy most about your last job?
- What did you enjoy the least about your last job?
- What office equipment can you operate?
- Can you handle stress and how?
- How would you handle diversity in the workplace?
The difficult questions and possible answers
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Convert a weakness into a strength and development. For example: You are over-passionate; A perfectionist; Always volunteering my service to the team; Going over and above the duties of your role
Q. What salary do you see yourself starting on?
A. Industry standard; Award;
Q. Why did you leave your last job?
A. Time to move on and expand my career options
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
A. Committed to my employer and job
Q. How would your previous employers describe you?
A. Use your personal attributes, e.g. Resilient, Loyal, a “can do” attitude.
Q. Are you open for criticisms? How do you take them?
A. I am always open to constructive feedback for continuous improvement
Q. How would you handle “Diversity” in the Workplace?
A. I respect and understand the similarities and differences of other people’s cultures, religions, lifestyles, values, beliefs and activities
Questions to Ask the Employer
As the interview comes to an end, one of the final questions you may be asked by the employer / recruiter is “Do you have any questions for me?"
Have interview questions of your own ready to ask.
- How would you describe a typical day in this position?
- What is the company's management style?
- Who does this position report to?
- How many people work in this office?
- What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
- What do you like about working here?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- Follow up phone call or email thanking them for the opportunity
Job Interview Guidance
- View things positively, not negatively
- Express yourself confidently
- Acknowledge and believe in your strengths
- Focus on your achievements
- Highlight your attributes
- Concentrate on the “Ables”
- Be sincere and open
- Focus on your specific “benefits”
- Engage with the interview panel members
- Highlight any volunteer work, training or work experience
- Be neutral. Not aggressive nor passive – it’s all about perception, show that you are assertive, cooperative and proactive
Accepting or Rejecting an Offer
- Consider the job before accepting
- Read the Employment Agreement
- Discuss with Family / Friends
- Communicate your concerns / issues
Dealing with job knock-backs
- Don't take it personally
- Ask for honest constructive feedback
- Self-reflection.
- Take a good look at your interview preparation and strategies
The Golden Rule
- Job Seeking and attending job Interviews requires patience and resilience.
- Sometimes the right job may take time to find.
You can only do your best and remember the golden rule, do not give up and be prepared.
“Job Interviews are not about the best person for the job; Job Interviews are about, and can only ever be about, who appears to be the best person for the job. (Philip Garside, one of Australia's leading consultants in Human Resources)
Preparation is the key!
Please do not hesitate to contact the Careers and Pathways Coordinator for assistance.
Chris Kotsonis
Careers and Pathways Coordinator