Tips for a successful interview
Research the job and the organisation - Just as you are looking for the ideal job, employers are looking for the ideal candidate who really wants to work in the company. Analyse the job description and match your experiences, skills, interests, and abilities to the job.
Think about your experiences and achievements (academic and non-academic) - The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. Think about specific examples including the action you took and the outcome of the situation.
Think about:
Prior to the interview think of specific work or educational experiences where you demonstrated skills (technical and interpersonal) that would be important to the position
What unique qualities do you have that would bring value to the role?
What are your past accomplishments?
What skills and accomplishments make you uniquely qualified?
Identify key contributions you have made to an organisation previously?
What are your strongest attributes?
In what areas can you improve? And what have you done to work on improving?
Be prepared with specific examples!
Prepare and anticipate questions
There are some questions which are typically asked at interview. Prepare answers beforehand to some of the more difficult or sensitive questions. This does not mean memorising responses or writing a script. It does mean planning the points you want to make.
Typical questions include:
Why have you applied to us?
What do you know about our business?
What qualities/skills do you have which make you suitable?
If you haven't graduated yet, what result are you expecting for your degree?
Could you explain the details of your project?
Tell me about your involvement in ... (e.g. a student society)
I see you have spent a vacation working – what did you learn/achieve?
Can you provide an example of when you led or worked in a team?
Please tell me about a time when you were under great pressure? How did you cope? What was the outcome?
Where do you want to be in five years' time?
Some interviewers will ask behavioural/ scenario based questions, for example,
You think that your boss has given someone else work that you normally do, what is your response?
A person in your team is disrupting productivity. How would you approach them?
Answering questions
Speak clearly, confidently and slowly
Don't try to answer a question that you have not understood - ask for clarification
Talk openly and with enthusiasm about your achievements, but don't overstate them
Keep your answers relevant to the question
Don't pretend to know something that you don't
Try to be yourself. Show sincerity and enthusiasm, but avoid being too serious
Your questions
What training do you offer graduates?
What would be a typical career pattern for someone entering this career?
What are the things that you enjoy about working for this company? >
Is it possible to change job roles?
Are there opportunities to work overseas?
When can I expect to hear the outcome of this interview?
Other Advice
Dress appropriately
Memorise the names of those interviewing you.
Find out exactly where you are going, where to park, and how long it will take to get there.
Get a good night's sleep.
Arrive 15 minutes early. This not only shows that you are prompt it also gives you a chance to gain your composure.
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