Interviews are nerve wracking, but the key is planning and preparation. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you are likely to come across! Over the next three weeks, my three part series will cover three stages – before, during and after the interview.
PART ONE - HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW
- Research – Learn as much as possible about the company you are interviewing with. Research its products or services, people, competitors and current market conditions they face. You can find this information on their website, news sites, the National Business Review, by googling them and even just talking to friends.
- Know the role – Prior to the interview, ensure you clearly understand the job description. Knowing what the role expectations are will help you to anticipate the kinds of questions you are likely to be asked. You can therefore plan examples to refer to in your most recent work history.
- Review your resume – Interviewers need to hear you articulate your skills and achievements. Pinpoint areas that the interviewers may ask you about and practice talking about it with a friend or family member.
- Practise behavioural based questions – Competency or behavioural based questions are most commonly used in the interview process. This is when the interviewer asks for a specific situation where you demonstrated the key behaviour that denotes success in the role you are interviewing for (for example, “tell me about a time when you have dealt with a difficult customer and tell me how you handled the situation”). Rehearse examples of past situations and events where you can clearly state what you did in those instances and what the outcomes of your behaviour were.
- Plan your route and what you will wear – Be sure you are clear on where to go, how you will get there, who you need to ask for and what time you need to report (it’s a good idea to plan on arriving 5 minutes prior to your interview time). Ensure you will be smartly and appropriately presented.
Next week, part 2 will cover tips for during the interview. In the meantime, check out our YouTube channel and www.madison.co.nz/tips for more.
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Interviews are nerve wracking, but the key is planning and preparation. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you are likely to come across! Over the next three weeks, my three part series will cover three stages – before, during and after the interview. 
Madison receives the SARA Legend Award
Having won the SEEK SARAs three years in a row, Madison were awarded "Legend" status. Justin Pipe is pictured with SEEK's MD Joe Powell.