Job Interview Tips & Tricks
Getting the simple things right in interviews won't necessarily get you hired, but getting them wrong will certainly hurt your chances. Here we outline how to approach interviews, and provide a list of what to do and what not to do in interviews.
Preparation for interviews
Preparation for your next interview begins with the job advertisement. There you'll find what's important to your prospective employer, and so your goal is to align yourself to these requirements. Scrutinise the job advertisement and spend time researching the company to determine exactly what they're looking for, then hone in on your abilities that are most relevant and showcase them in the interview.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Regardless of how good you are at impromptu speaking, your performance in interviews can always be improved with practice. You may think you know how to answer certain questions, but don't leave it until the interview to find out. Practice mock interviews with a friend, in front of a mirror, or just inside your own head. If your unsure of what questions might be asked in your interview, then explore our list of Practice Questions.
See more answers to common interview questions in our video library
The DOs and DON'Ts of Job Interviews
| Job Advertisement |
|---|
| Do go through the job advertisement in detail, identifying key aspects of the role that are likely to be assessed during the interview. |
| Don't assume that every aspect of the role has been captured within the job advertisement, so be prepared to do additional research. |
| Company Research |
|---|
| Do review the company's website, blog, & social pages, as well as any relevant news articles. Familiarising yourself with the company's product offering and their market competitors is also beneficial. |
| Don't assume that looking through their website briefly is sufficient preparation. |
| Answer Preparation |
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| Do practise beforehand and prepare answers for commonly asked questions. |
| Don't just assume you'll be able to articulate a good response when the time comes. |
| Appearance & Grooming |
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| Do dress and groom yourself as appropriate for the position you're applying for. If in doubt, err on the side of overdressing. |
| Don't be too casual. |
| What To Bring |
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| Do bring some copies of your résumé, and a notepad & pen. It's entirely okay to take notes during your interview. |
| Don't bring items for personal use like a magazine, newspaper, or tea/coffee. |
| Arrvial Time |
|---|
| Do arrive approximately 5 mins prior to interview. |
| Don't arrive 20 minutes early in an attempt to show your enthusiasm. It will only make your interviewers feel rushed and flustered. |
| Interaction with receptionist, other staff |
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| Do be generally pleasant and friendly to all staff members you interact with. |
| Don't assume that other staff members won't offer their feedback about you to your interviewers. |
| Demeanor & Attitude |
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| Do what you can to come across as relaxed, professional, and confident. |
| Don't be overly familiar or arrogant. |
| The Tone of the Interview |
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| Do turn the interview into a conversation, a back and forth exchange between you and your interviewers. |
| Don't be too reserved if your interviewers try to engage with you. |
| Answers Details |
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| Do be concise with all your answers, while still getting your key points across. |
| Don't waffle or pad out your aswers with unnecessary details. |
| Unclear Questions |
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| Do ask for clarification on any questions that are unclear. |
| Don't just guess at what the interviewer is asking and rush into an irrelevant answer. |
| Résumé Gaps |
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| Do prepare to be questioned about gaps in your résumé, skills, or experience. |
| Don't just hope that you won't be asked about any gaps you have. |
| Your Previous or Current Employer |
|---|
| Do highight the positives that you've gained from previous workplaces. |
| Don't badmouth previous managers or colleagues. |
| Your Questions |
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| Do come prepared with a short list of questions for your interviewers. |
| Don't waste the opportunity to ask insightful and thought provoking questions. |
| Referees |
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| Do seek permission from people before listing them as referees. |
| Don't list someone as a referee if they haven't worked directly with you in a supervisory position. |
Next up
Discover how to answer some of the most commonly asked interview questions by exploring our Practice Questions.
