How to Prepare for an Interview

Picture this: you have sent in your job application, and before you know it, the phone has rung, and an interview has been scheduled. This is it, the final stretch of the marathon – cross the finish line, and you might secure your dream role!

But like running a marathon – a job interview requires careful preparation and practice to come out on the other side feeling good. Here, we will lay out some tips to help you succeed face-to-face (or over zoom) at your next interview.

1. Know the role

Chances are, you’ve already done your research on the role and company; But if you haven’t – now is your chance to do so, and if you have, it’s time to rehash that information.

If you applied through a website like Seek or JobSeeker there was likely a job package attached to that ad – if there is not, try reaching out to your point of contact at the company to see if you can get a copy of the position description prior to the interview. As long as you are professional in your request and explain why you are asking, there should be no problem!

Once this document is in your hands – you’ll want to study it meticulously and learn the ins and outs of the position you are looking to take on. This way you will be able to think closely about how your experience correlates with the role requirements and will know exactly how to answer questions about the role.

Plus, the interview panel will be able to see that you have done your research – it’s easy to spot when someone isn’t sure what they are actually applying for.

2. Know your resume

No one knows your career history better than you – and no one can explain it better.

Perhaps you have a few gaps in your resume or are looking to start a career in a new industry.

These questions might feel tricky to answer – but they are not. The easiest choice is to be honest and concise.

If you’re a mum returning to work and over the past three years you have had just one six month contract doing administration – following a career of retail sales and service, you might feel like bluffing your way through the answer to ‘so what were you doing for these years?’ is the way to go.

Instead – walk the hiring panel through those years honestly.

For example:

‘After my baby came along I wanted to gain some experience in the administration industry, so I took on a temporary role. Unfortunately, the little one was not coping with full-time day-care, so I choose not to extend my contract and to wait another year before returning to work. Now, my little one is ready for day-care and I am ready and able to commit to full-time work’. 

3. Know the business

You’ve already done some research into the business, but now¸ it’s time to think about why you want to work there.

To help you dive into the ins and outs of the company, head to their website and read the companies Mission Statement and About us pages, then think about why you want to work there, and how you can tie that to the company's mission or target market.

Love animals? Then that’s why you want to work at PetStock – not because it’s just around the corner from your house.

Applying for an administration job at an Aged Care Facility? Why? Well, your grandmother lived in a facility and you truly appreciated how much the staff cared about her wellbeing and happiness.

The key here is to show the hiring panel why you want to work there while also tying in how it will benefit the company.

4. Ask questions

There is nothing quite as awkward as the silence that comes after ‘so, do you have any questions for us?’, preparing some questions in advance will save you from this awkward mishap – and the right questions will have the hiring panel in awe.

Something like ‘can you tell me about some of the challenges I would face in this role' or ‘what does a typical day look like at this workplace?’ will go far.

Over the next few weeks we will be diving deeper into interview tips and tricks – so make sure to keep an eye on the Clothier Careers blog.