Mastering the Art of Interviews: Strategies

What can I do to prepare for an interview?

WRITTEN BY: Michelle White

Many of our clients come to us for interview preparation. It may be that they haven’t been on an interview in years, they are going for more of ‘stretch role’ or they just have had a couple of interviews that haven’t gone well. Below are some tips to help:

1. Research, Research, Research: Thoroughly research the company, its values, culture, and recent developments, familiarise yourself with the job description and understand the key responsibilities and prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
2. Know your Strengths and Accomplishments: Identify your unique selling points and core strengths, prepare specific examples of your achievements and how they added value and connect your experiences to the skills required for the role.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse common interview questions to develop concise, confident responses, practice your body language, eye contact and voice modulation, and conduct a mock interview with a mentor or career coach for valuable feedback.
4. Showcase your Fit: Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements, emphasise how your values and goals align with the company’s mission, and demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn and grow.
5. Give Specific Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, share stories that demonstrate your problem-solving, leadership or teamwork, and keep those responses engaging and impactful.
6. Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Confidence: Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company, maintain positive body language and display confidence in your abilities while remaining humble and coachable.

7. Ask Intelligent Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to show your interest and curiosity, inquire about the company’s future plans, growth opportunities and team dynamics and avoid asking questions about salary and benefits until later stages of the process.
8. Follow up: Send a personalised thank you email, express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the role and company if you wish to proceed.

Remember, interviews are not just about answering questions but about showcasing your personality, skills and cultural fit and ensuring it is the right place for you.

Check out our interview preparation webinar in the Video Room on www.empowered-decision.com.au for more tips or connect with us to do a mock interview.