Interview Techniques

'Preparation is the key to a successful interview'

Preparing for the Interview 

• Review the Job Description and ask your consultant to explain any areas required
• Ensure you know the interviewers correct name (including pronunciation) and their correct title
• Research important facts about the company, such as product range and services, history, foundations and future direction. The company’s size, turnover, locations (local & international) and any recent announcements / public exposure
• Make sure you know where the interview is to be held, how to get there and have contact details in case you run into any problems on the way!

Valuable information can be obtained from:

• Your recruitment consultant
• The company’s website
• The company’s annual reports & accounts
• The Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald and www.nineMSN.com.au

Select 3 or more personal key strengths and produce specific past experiences when you have demonstrated that these are key components about you.

Select 3 or more achievements accomplished per position, which displays any competency required in the position you are interviewing for. i.e. initiative, teamwork, dedication or leadership.

Refresh your memory about facts and figures about your present and former employers.

Most importantly, produce several questions to ask the interviewer. The same as the interviewer is deciding if you are the right person for the vacancy, you must determine if this potential employer will provide the right career opportunity for you. In addition, this will impress the interviewer by your interest in the company and by your articulation of intelligent questions.

Some questions you might ask could include:

• Why did you decide to join the company?
• Why has the position become available?
• What is the culture of the company? 
• What induction/training program is there?
• What kinds of people have previously been successful in the company?
• What training programs and career development is available for those who demonstrate ability?
• What plans has the company for future development?
• What differentiates this company from your competition?
• Which are the company’s best-selling products or services?
• What is the next step?

 
The Interview
Dress for Success
Always dress smartly with clean and pressed clothes and polished shoes. If in doubt, always overdress even if you know that it is company policy to wear casual clothes. Never chew gum or sweets during an interview. Never wear too much jewellery or makeup and nail varnish. Do not take unnecessary bags or paperwork to an interview.

Some Important Tips to Follow:

• ALWAYS arrive a few minutes early. 
• ALWAYS maintain a positive attitude. Visualise exiting the interview after a very positive meeting prior to attending. Your projection is others perception.
• ALWAYS greet and address the interviewer by his/her first name (unless specified). If you are not sure of the pronunciation, ask your consultant prior to the interview.
• ALWAYS shake hands with a firm grip.
• ALWAYS wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair; look up, alert and interested at all times.
• ALWAYS be as charismatic as possible - it is very important that you demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
• ALWAYS allow the interviewer to talk. Very important to be a good listener as well as a good talker.
• ALWAYS smile and hold a positive posture.
• ALWAYS look the interviewer/s in the eye during the meeting without staring.
• ALWAYS make sure that you answer the questions in a concise, factual and sincere manner. Make the interviewer aware of the benefits that you can offer the organisation.
• ALWAYS perform the best you can and display a positive interest in the position you are discussing.
• ALWAYS ensure you smell fresh. It is not recommended that you smoke prior to an interview.
• ALWAYS use specific examples that justify your ability when answering questions rather than use a simple yes/no response.
• ALWAYS answer questions frankly and as close to the point as possible.
• ALWAYS avoid making any remarks that may be perceived as negative about your present or former employers.
• ALWAYS use the power of silence between answers to indicate to the interviewer that you have finished answering the question.
• ALWAYS know what salary the consultant has represented you at. Avoid enquiring about salary, holidays, bonuses etc during the initial interview unless you are specifically asked. If you do not feel comfortable discussing these aspects directly it is acceptable to explain that it is best discussed with your consultant.

Frequently asked questions:

• Why do you want to work for us/what interests you about our product/services? 
• What interested you about this position?
• Tell me about your hobbies/interests?
• What technical experience can you bring to our company?
• What kind of position are you seeking?
• What are your future aspirations?
• What do you want to be doing in your career in one/three and five years from now?
• How do you like to be managed?
• How would your staff /colleagues describe your leadership style?
• What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
• What did you enjoy most about your current/past employment?
• Are you willing to travel or relocate?
• Why should I hire you?

 
Behavioural Questions: 

This commonly used questioning technique is based on the theory that past experience equals future behaviour. By using the STAR format, it demonstrates to the interviewer that you can perform a desired competency by your past experiences.

Example Question
Can you give me an example of a time when you demonstrated the ability to be a team player?

Answer (in ST/A/R format) 
ST – Situation/Task (I was at work last Friday when I noticed that my colleague was flooded with work)
A – Action (I was on top of my workload so I offered to assist and commenced helping him)
R – Result (Together we completed the workload and ever since we always help each other)


Further questions

• Can you tell me an example of a specific time/event in your career when you demonstrated the ability to display initiative? (Others may include time management – prioritising your workload; ability to meet deadlines; leadership; teamwork ; problem solving; meeting deadlines; resolving issues/conflict; motivating staff; impact & influence; ability to work independently without supervision
• What are your strengths? And give me an example of recent events when you demonstrated each?
• What are areas you would like to develop? And why or what have you done to better yourself in this area? (Always end a personal negative on a positive

Closing The Interview

• If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage. If the interviewer offers the position to you and you want it, you may accept it but if you need some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you will provide an answer
• Always remain positive and maintain a genuine interest in the position. Even if you receive the impression that the interview has not gone 100% to plan, continue to project a positive image
• Thank the interviewer for their time

After The Interview

• Contact your recruitment consultant ASAP to communicate your thoughts on how the interview went and to discuss the next stage
• Your consultant will provide feedback from the Interviewer for you as soon as available. This may include discussion of further interviews and/or psychometric testing