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How to prepare for a job interview
A job interview is your chance to show the company that you’re the best person for the job. A well-prepared plan is key to your success.
A job interview is your chance to show the company that you’re the best person for the job. A well-prepared plan is key to your success. Here, we’ll take a look at how to make the most of the opportunity.
Preparation is key
- Review the job description and align your competencies with the skills required for the job. Think of examples of where you have performed similar duties in your previous positions.
- Research the organisation – what are their values, future goals and plans?
- Check the company website and LinkedIn or Facebook for reviews and comments to give you insight into the organisation’s culture.
- Research the broader industry and the company’s main competitors.
- Think about possible interview questions and plan responses that align with company values and qualities they will be looking for.
- Don’t just think of a possible answer in your head – practice verbalising your answers.
- If possible get a friend or family member to role-play an interview with you.
- Practice in front of a video camera.
- Dress appropriately for the interview – clean, ironed and presentable.
- Plan your journey or even do a trial journey to make sure you know where you are going and that you can arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Further preparation
| During the days before the interview | On the day |
|---|---|
| Research the organisation – become familiar with their website, general info | Mental preparation – Be confident! Be excited! |
| Check location of interview and how long it takes to get there | Be well groomed and appropriately dressed |
| Double check date and time | Review the details on your resume |
| Prepare/revise answers to questions Consider photos / work examples | Review your prepared questions and answers – take them with you |
| Plan what you will wear | Don’t smoke before the interview |
| Contact your referee/s | Arrive early and look keen |
| Prepare questions you want to ask |
Reed Jobs Board have a great pre-interview checklist that you can access here
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Work Ready Skills: Job Searches, Writing a CV and Interviewing
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Work Ready Skills: Job Searches, Writing a CV and Interviewing
