How to ace your job interview
Key takeaways
- Prepare by researching the job and company to show your interest.
- Use mock interviews to practice answering questions.
- Wear neat clothes to look professional and show you’re serious about the job.
Getting ready for a job interview can be a bit scary, but don't worry!
Here are some simple tips to help you shine and get the job you want.
Prepare ahead
- Know the job: Read the job ad carefully. Understand what the employer is looking for.
- Research: Learn about the company. What do they make or do? Have a look at the company website for information about their priorities and values. Knowing this helps you answer questions better and shows you're interested.
Practice
- Mock interviews: Practice with a friend or family member. Use a job ad to create questions and Google “Most commonly asked interview questions”
- STAR method: Use this method to answer questions. STAR stands for:
- Situation: Describe a situation you were in.
- Task: Explain the task you had to complete.
- Action: Describe the actions you took.
- Result: Share the results of your actions.
For example:
- Situation: “In my part-time job at a café, we had a sudden rush of customers.”
- Task: “I needed to ensure all customers were served quickly and efficiently.”
- Action: “I organised my team, delegated tasks, and helped out wherever needed.”
- Result: “We managed to serve everyone promptly, and customer feedback was very positive.”
Types of job interviews
- Face-to-face: The most common type. You meet the interviewer in person.
- Phone: Often used for initial screenings. Make sure you're in a quiet place.
- Video: Becoming more popular. Test your technology beforehand and find a good spot with minimal distractions. Make sure to blur the background or add a video effect so that employers cannot see your actual background, which may be distracting.
Dress for success
- Look professional: Wear clean, neat clothes. It shows you are serious about the job.
During the interview
- Be on time: Arrive a little early. It shows you are punctual.
- Stay calm: Take deep breaths if you feel nervous. It’s okay to pause and think before you answer.
- Be honest: If you don’t know something, it’s better to say so than to guess.
After the interview
- Thank you note: Send a thank you email. It shows you appreciate the opportunity.
Remember, practice and preparation are key. Good luck with your interviews and go get that job!
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