top of page
Interview

Interview Tips

Pre interview:

 

Study the company

  • Read their 'About Us' page on the internet, and read their Wikipedia profile.

  • If it is a large organisation, read about the division you will be working in.

  • Re-read the role description

 

Figure out what your relevant skills are for the role description and ensure you know how best to talk about them

  • Ensure that you know your resume and can talk easily about anything on it.

  • Ensure you have corporate attire

​

For Guys

  • A basic suit (2 or 3 buttons) preferably in gray or navy blue (black tends to be a tad formal)

  • Well ironed shirt (not too loud, stick to basic colours) and tie

  • Well groomed hair

  • Ensure you’ve shaved

​

For Girls

  • Business attire

  • Suit

  • Skirt/Pants with a good button up top or blouse and jacket

·

If you know who will be interviewing you try and find out something basic about them that could spark some conversation, for example if you know you’re being interviewed by someone who worked a project that could be affected by a recent development in the field it might provide you something memorable to talk about, its important though that you don’t make it sound like you’ve researched them.

​

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

  • Make sure that you’ve prepared yourself for interview questions, as this will remove terms such as ‘like’ and ‘you know’. However don’t come off at too rehearsed.

  • Pre-prepare at least THREE questions about the company.

Interview:

 

Be punctual, make sure you know how you’re going to get there and where you can park etc the day before your interview and ensure that you keep to it, there is no better worse impression than being late.

  • Ensure you arrive approximately 15 minutes early (not too much earlier or you’ll be inconveniencing your interviewer)

  • If you arrive too early, determine where you need to be for the interview then go to a coffee shop, grab a small coffee (not too much that you need to go to the bathroom and also try not to spill it on yourself)

  • Remember to relax and look happy

  • Try to

    • Exhibit enthusiasm

    • Appear friendly and outgoing (smile and say hello to everyone)

    • Be self-confident (but not cocky)

    • Remain attentive

  • Shake hands firmly when you meet people

  • Group activities:

    • Wait your turn to talk, don’t cut in over other people but make sure you do have a fair level of input on the conversation.

    • Try and work constructively with your team, don’t try to steal the show, you’re there to prove that you can work as part of a team.

    • Retain poise during your interview, ensure that your non-verbal behaviour projects your confidence as well, that is don’t chew your nails or look at the ground, look at the person you’re talking to without staring them down.

  • Listen carefully to everything that say, as this will allow you to ask questions of your interviewer, without asking about anything they have already spoken about.

Post Interview:

​

If you haven't heard anything back from a company after 3 days, you can send a thank you email to the person who emailed you, thanking them for their time with your interview, possibly subtly re-iterating any strong reasons why you feel you should get the job

Some Practice Questions:

​

  • Tell me about yourself

  • What do you know about this company?

  • Why are you applying for this job?

  • Why do you want this job?

  • Describe a situation when you were under pressure 

  • What's your biggest weakness?

  • Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • Why do you want to work here?

  • What accomplishments are you most proud of?

  • Tell me about a time you experienced failure and how you handled it.

  • Describe a situation where you had to show leadership.

  • What do you like to do outside work?

  • Why are manhole covers round?

  • Describe a time when you have worked as part of a successful team.

  • What do you think contributed to your team’s overall success?

  • Tell us about a goal that you have set yourself and worked towards, of which you feel truly proud or satisfied.

  • What did you learn about yourself?

bottom of page