SIX TOP TIPS FOR NAILING THAT JOB INTERVIEW
So you have a job interview coming up? Congratulations. But how do you convince the employer you’re ‘the one’?
We asked Toowoomba’s Classic Recruitment for advice on how to blitz a job interview. They’re specialists in staffing solutions and HR support with an excellent record in successful job placements.
PRESENTATION
This depends on the nature of the job. If it’s a professional job, wear corporate. If it’s a trade position, wear smart casual.
Always present yourself well and be clean, neat and tidy. A tip is to research the company colours and wear those colours to interview — they will automatically think you belong to their team.
WHAT TO TAKE
Be clear about what is required, if you need licences (ie forklift) make sure you take current copies of your licences with you to interview. Some roles require ID so take your driver’s licence or passport.
Remember, it takes just one-tenth of a second for an employer to judge someone and make a first impression. Give yourself the best opportunity by having all the correct information at hand so you look organised and interested. Do not take your mobile phone to the interview.
PREPARATION
Research the company online so you know what it does and where it is. Re-read the position description or advertisement before the interview.
Make sure you ask questions about the role rather than the pay. Ask about career opportunities and training so the interviewer knows you are looking long-term.
QUESTIONS
There are any number of possible questions you could be asked. Search online for examples and prepare answers that demonstrate your skills and experience.
Be especially clear about why you want the job and also what you bring to the place of employment.
Don’t just give monosyllabic answers. When asked about your ability don’t just say “yes I am good at that” give the employer examples and tell them about times you have used your skills. That will make the employer more confident of your ability.
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT YOURSELF
It is likely you will be asked why you want to leave your current role. Never ever ‘bag’ your current boss or current place of employment. Better to say something generic, along the lines of “it is not the right fit for me”, or “I am looking for something more challenging”.
You will probably be asked about your strengths and weaknesses — think about this one beforehand so you have an answer ready.
We all have weaknesses but employers don’t really want to hear them. For example, don’t say “I don’t like confrontation” because that means every time a client complains, you will flick the call to the employer. If this is a genuine concern for you think about saying “I don’t particularly like confrontation, and that is my weakness, but I am working on it and trying to be an empathetic listener to identify people’s concerns if they’re upset.”
HOW TO NEGOTIATE PAY
At the end of the interview if the discussion turns to salary and it is significantly less than was advertised — you’re entitled to say so.
However do not say things like “Oh my goodness I wouldn’t get out of bed for that money.”
Better to say: “That is less than I am currently earning so I would have to think about it because I would very much like to work for your organisation.”