Job Interview tips to land your dream job

Whether you're preparing for your first job interview or your hundredth, it never hurts to brush up on your skills!

Know your employer

Research can go a long way. During an interview, you'll be asked questions like, ‘Why are you interested in the company?’ and ‘Tell me why you'd be great for this position.’ It’s important to refer to their values, mission and vision, and relate this to your own. Note what you like about the company, and be enthusiastic about how the environment will suit you.

Think professionally

Questions can be misleading. What would you say if your employer asked you to talk about yourself? This question sounds simple but can rattle anybody. Essentially, they're asking you to tell them about yourself in relation to the job environment you're entering. Talk about what you like doing and relate this to the research you have done about the company. Let them know that you respect their principles and are willing to grow with the company.

What about your strengths and weaknesses? This is another difficult one. It's good to state feedback from past experiences and talk about how you've chosen to improve. This will show initiative on your part.

Show confidence and ask questions

Know that you are on an equal status and come prepared with a set of questions. If you need to use notes, use them - it will show concern as well as a professional approach. Your confidence will show in the way you answer questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Be enthusiastic and maintain eye contact.

Don’t ask about your hours and benefits – there will be time for this during salary negotiations.

Prepare yourself for different types of interviewers

There are four types of interviewers: Gut Instinct, Personal and Feeling, Conversational and Behaviour-Based.

• Gut Instinct Interviewers make quick decisions about you and will finish an interview quickly if they don't like you. It's all about looking good and presenting yourself with confidence and grace.
• Personal and Feeling Interviewers want to know about your values and feelings. Build up your character.
• Conversational Interviewers move from topic to topic seamlessly. Be cautious, however, and think on your feet. Answering conversational interviewers means being friendly and not arrogant.
• Behaviour-Based Interviewers use tools to assess your skills. It's all about your competences. So throw them an answer like, 'I am competent at... so I will be able to... for the organisation.'

Remember you have already got your foot in the door. The interview is your opportunity to make yourself seem indispensable. Dress smartly, smile... and good luck!

How to Look Sharp for a Job Interview

Write an AUSome resume