What advice or tips would you give Mr Youngher as he prepares for other interviews?

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Interview tips that will help set you up for your next step in your career
Dress suitably
Use their name
Use positive body language and make eye contact
Build up your confidence
Tips for answering questions
Make sure you ask questions

Interview tips that will help set you up for your next step in your career

With 2018 already underway, you may be starting to feel that it is time to make the move towards a new career or opportunity. Here are a few useful tips on how to prepare yourself throughout the interview process. Interviews can be daunting at times but like anything else, practice makes perfect – the more you prepare for an interview, the better you will do.

Preparation

Preparation is key to any interview. Do thorough research on the company, the people you are meeting with and the role itself. Proper preparation will help relieve some of the stress involved in interviews and the more you prepare, the more comfortable you will be at interviewing.

Review your current resume, make sure all of your dates, titles and duties are up to date and you are able to talk through your experience well.

Plan ahead and be on time

Research where the company is located and how you will get there. “Be on time” means 5 to 10 minutes early. Once you arrive at the company, ensure you notify the receptionist of your arrival. Whilst waiting for the interviewer, take a breather and focus on your presentation; are you relaxed? Are you sitting up right? Are you neatly presented? After all, first impressions last!

Once the interviewer arrives, ensure to greet them with firm hand shake, a pleasant smile, thank them for meeting with you and take a seat once asked.

Settle into a position where you will be relaxed and will not get distracted or fidget in your seat and always make eye contact with your interviewer.

During the interview

The interviewer will lead the interview by asking how was your day, or how was your journey to the office. This is an interviewers’ way to test your interpersonal skills and if you are able to build rapport easily.

It is common for the interviewer to ask you to talk through your previous experience. It is essential that you are prepared for this and know your resume well. Whilst going through your experiences, speak through your day to day duties and give a good picture of your role but remember to be concise.

Be prepared to answer why you want to work with the company, or what attracts you to this role. This is where your research will come in handy!

The interviewer will probably ask some behavioral questions such as how you work in a team? Always answer these questions with examples of past experiences.

It is expected that the interviewer will ask if you have any further questions in regards to the role or the company. Prepare two to three questions around culture, expectations, start dates etc. – this will show your interest in the role, however avoid asking about salary, bonuses and benefits.

Closing the interview

Whilst walking out of the interview room, it is important to remain professional and polite, the interview is still in place. Finish the interview as you started, with a firm hand shake and again thank them for taken the time to meet with you.

Leave a lasting impression

Follow up the next day to thank them for their time and for considering you for the role and express briefly your interest in the role moving forward.

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Job interviews can be nerve racking and can sometimes be hard to navigate. But we can help you to feel confident and prepared at your next job interview. Here are our top tips.

Prepare

Do your research on the company including: their background/history, their services/products, their values, their culture, their leaders, their ‘why’, etc.
Think about why you like their business and company
Understand what you can offer them/where you can add value
Understand how you would be a good fit within their company
Research how far away they are and how you will travel there
Look up common interview questions, which you can find [here] and know your answers to things you might encounter
Think of questions you want to ask them
Make sure you tidy up and privatise your social media

Be Early

Aim to be about 10 minutes early. Punctuality is polite and can help with a good first impression. If there are unavoidable circumstances that will make you late, make sure to call and notify the recruiter or hiring manager.

Dress suitably

Dress appropriately for the job/company. Check out the company’s social media channels and understand how people dress in your industry. We suggest dressing as if it your first day on the job. Unless you are in construction. In the blue collar industry we recommend wearing semi-casual pants and a shirt for both male and female candidates.

Use their name

When meeting the hiring manager or recruiter, make sure you remember their name and use it in conversation. This builds rapport and shows respect. It can make you more likable.

Use positive body language and make eye contact

Using positive body language is so important. Avoid crossing your arms and hunching over. Use hand gestures and make eye contact as well as sitting up straight and being open. You want to make the person across from you feel comfortable, not unwelcome.

Build up your confidence

Try to behave confidently. The two tips above this can help with that! Also, remind yourself of how skilled you are and what you are capable of when it comes to learning quickly and being adaptable. Confidence can also shine through when you speak passionately and genuinely about the potential role and your job.

Tips for answering questions

Tell a story with your answers, especially when they ask for specific examples
If they ask what you know about the company, explain to them what you know with all the things you like about them (their values, their services, etc.)
Involve the company and their goals with your own goals
Answer questions succinctly and try not to ramble on
It’s okay to take a moment to think about an answer

Make sure you ask questions

Don’t forget to think of the questions you want to ask the hiring manager. An interview is a two-way conversation, you need to decide if they are right for you too. Make sure you have at least 3 – 4 prepared! And an extra in case the questions get covered during other parts of the conversation.