Essential Job Tips – The Interview

Finding a newjob or changing jobs is difficult but there are some simple things you need toknow which can make the whole experience a lot easier and smoother. When youfind the job which suits you and you have been successful in your applicationyou still need to face the most daunting task – the interview.

Theidea of an interview can be a scary prospect for most (if not all!) peoplelooking for a job. Your nerves can get the better of you as you feel thepressure to show your best possible side to potential employers. There is away, however, to minimise nerves and ensure you give an interview that willshowcase your skills effectively. One word: Preparation.

Thinkof an interview like studying for an exam. The more preparation you do, thebetter you will perform. Revise your career history thoroughly. Think aboutyour achievements and the measurable contributions you have made at yourprevious jobs. You will be asked about this and a confident and concise answerwill impress however make sure your answers don’t sound too “canned” orinsincere.

Youshould also research the company you are interviewing with. The internet is agreat source of information. Start with the company's website, and also do asearch for any articles relating to that company or the industry they are in.  If the company has been in the news recentlyit may be advantageous to be fully across those stories as they will be themost likely to come up.

Firstimpressions are key in an interview. This means arriving ahead of time - giveyourself plenty of time to get there. Turning up late is an instant black markagainst your name. The way you present yourself is also very important. Whereasin the past a suit and tie were standard interview attire, there is moreflexibility today. However you should still present as neat and clean and, ifin doubt, err on the side of (conservative!) caution.  It is always best to try to dress the way youbelieve your interviewer will be dressed so, on the assumption you have a feelfor the industry and the company you have applied to join, make the best matchyou can.

Havea list of questions prepared and try to anticipate some of the questions youthink you might be asked.  Again theinternet is a great source for this and many sites exist with lists ofdifficult questions and suggested answers. It is important to have a suitable answer for anything specific to you –a short time at a particular job or a long period of unemployment for example.

Ultimately, you don't need any tricks or tips.You just need to prepare thoroughly and be yourself. The employer is justlooking for a qualified candidate to fill the job and if you put in the effortbeforehand then that candidate might just be you!

David James Brewster, is a writer for Classifind.com.au. Classifind.com.au is Australia's largest search engine specialising in jobs. Hundreds of thousands of job listings from major Australian job boards are brought together in one place, reducing search time.