Interview Preparation Tips

Personal Preparation:

  • Dress to impress – first impressions are very important, so make sure you dress appropriately for the interview.
  • Plan your journey in advance and make sure you know exactly where you are going.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early – it is always worth double checking the route prior to the interview for any traffic problems.

Interview Tips:

  • Good in-depth relevant answers.
  • Try to make sure you answer the question asked.
  • If you don’t the answer, be honest.  It is better to say you have limited knowledge area than to try and talk around the answer.
  • Stay positive about your work and history.
  • What do you know about the Company and the position?
  • Ask questions to show you have taken an interest in their products/ services.
  • What are your key motivations?
  • What are your key skills, knowledge and experience and how does this relate to their needs?
  • What are you key strengths – personally and professionally?
  • What was your personal involvement in specific projects?
  • Why are you a good team player?
  • How well do you work independently?

Typical topics of discussion and questions you may be asked include:

  • What do you know about the company?
  • What do you know about the project?
  • Why did you leave a previous company? (This in particular is likely to come up if you were not with the company for very long.  Be prepared to have an answer for this).
  • Give an example of your communication skills.  For example, how have you communicated an idea OR got your point of view across when operating as part of a team and how did this work out?
  • How do you deal with demanding or challenging people?
  • What is your approach to managing difficult and sometimes stressful situations?
  • How do you overcome problems in a work situation? What was the outcome and what did you learn from it?
  • Give an example of a recent accomplishment at work? How did this make you feel and what did you take away from the experience?
  • What are you motivations for exploring this opportunity?
  • Give an example of when you have  worked as part of a team at work? What was the outcome?

Although an interview can feel like a stressful situation, it is important to try to relax.  The interviewers are there to discuss an opportunity with you and want you to do well.  It is a two way process, so try to ask your own relevant questions to show enthusiasm.

Remember – good preparation is key to a successful interview! 

GOOD LUCK!