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Interview Preparation
Probably the greatest disservice that anyone can do themselves
in an interview situation is to be unprepared. Preparation is
essential to maximise your chance of success. It is worth noting
at this point that you are going to be nervous when you go for
the interview, this is natural. However, the more prepared you
are, the easier it will be to cope with your nerves, the less
you will actually have to think during the interview, and the
easier it will be for you to be able to fully answer their
questions.
Prepare yourself in the following ways:
Know what you're letting yourself in for
Find out as much as you can about the organisation. See our
Researching an Organisation
page for suggestions on gathering information about organisations.
Sometimes it's hard to find the information, but it is
worth the effort to find what you can, including:
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its structure (eg. number of staff, departments) and range
of activities
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what products and services it offers, who its customers are,
who its main competitors are and where the main offices,
manufacturing plants, etc. are located
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what kind of jobs are available, the recent growth, their
plans for expansion and think about how this will affect
the position for which you are applying
Find out more about the job being offered
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Determine the main focus, challenges, barriers, opportunities,
tasks and responsibilities involved. Knowing this will help
you predict questions for the interview and will help show that
you have the right skills, education and qualities to succeed
in the role.
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Ensure you can give a detailed description of what you would
be doing on a day to day basis in the job.
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Even if there is no advertised job, you will have an idea
of the type of job the company would place you into,
considering your education and experience. Research
this type of job from other job descriptions and advertisments.
Sample questions to ask a contact officer
From your very first contact with an organisation you are
being assessed as a potential employee. Employers may be
evaluating your level of professionalism, language and
interest in the position. Remember to be prepared, polite
and enthusiastic.
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What are the names and job titles of the selection
committee members?
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What format will the interview take?
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Can I have the ... (first and last place are strategically best)
interview time slot?
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Will I be required to perform any tasks during the
interview (eg. presentation, case study)?
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How long is the interview likely to be?
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Am I required to bring anything to the interview?
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What background would be most suitable for this position?
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What are the major challenges facing this position?
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What skills, knowledge, education would the ideal
candidate possess?
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What other positions exist in the team?
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Why has the position become vacant?
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Is there other written information available about the
department?
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What percentage of time is spent on what duties in
the position?
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Is there any other information that you feel it is
important to know about this position?
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Would it be useful for me to visit?
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To how may people will I report? Or, How many people will
I be supervising?
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Is there an organisation chart for the department or the team?
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Where are you located?
Predict interview questions
A useful approach is to write out likely questions, based
on the selection criteria and role descriptions. For example,
if you know that project management skills are an important
skill being sought in job applicants, you can put yourself
into the shoes of the employer and think of questions which
would help assess the project management skills of potential
applicants. Friends and colleagues can be of great assistance
with this task. See
Sample
Interview Questions for ideas on likely questions.
Prepare and rehearse responses
When preparing responses use: a one-sentence summary answer,
key points with keywords to spark your memory in the
interview, and an example which demonstrates your point.
Having a clear structure when you answer questions will
demonstrate your ability to think and communicate in a clear
and analytical manner. A question
preparation sheet may help discipline you in this process.
Prepare questions to ask interviewer
Take summary notes or prompt words and examples with you
on a card or piece of paper. Remember that the interview
is your one chance to find out about those things that
are important to you.
Ask questions to show your interest in the direction and
the success of the organisation and HOW your contribution
can add value. Your questions should demonstrate a clear
and up-to-date understanding of the role and of the
organisation's strategic goals and directions.
Avoid direct questions on salary, hours of work, leave,
other applicants for the position, bonuses.
Sample questions to ask an interviewer
Be warned! The interviewer could turn these questions around
and ask you to answer them.
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I understand the organisation is beginning to develop ...,
could you please outline how you see this position
contributing to this direction.
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How does the organisation measure success in individual
performance?
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What opportunities exist for professional collaboration with ...
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I understand that this position will require the person to ...,
could you please outline the tasks to be undertaken during a
typical week.
Take appropriate documents
In order to feel confident and well prepared you may wish
to take the following documents to an interview:
- spare copies of your resume and application
- your planned answers to predicted questions
- academic transcripts
- written references
- copy of the original job advertisement
- an optional portfolio with samples of your work
A portfolio showing samples of your work and achievements may
be useful for communications students, architecture students,
some arts students, IT students and others. One IT student
used diagrams of their impressive system design projects
to impress the interview panel, demonstrating the creativity,
skill and detailed accuracy of the work.
If you use a portfolio ensure that it is simple, easy to
digest in a short period (interviews can be only 20 minutes
long in total, and that it demonstrates your abilities,
skills and achievements.
Find out who will interview you
Find out the names, job titles, and department of your
interviewer or interview panel. Having this information
before you attend the interview serves a number of purposes.
It will assist you in planning the likely questions for
the interview and will put you on a more even footing
with the interviewers; they know who you are and you
will know who they are. This may strengthen your position
and ease your nerves.
Remember, not all companies are willing, or able to provide
this information in advance. Sometimes the interviewer or
interview panel may not be selected until the day, other
times the organisation prefers to keep this information
from interviewees. There is no harm in politely and
professionally asking for this information.
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