Interview tips
written by HJ Marano, FM Recruitment Services Pty Ltd

The job interview is your chance to personally convince a potential employer that you are the best candidate for the job. In an interview you will be expected to elaborate on the information in your resume and cover letter. More importantly, employers are looking to get a feel for whether you would fit into the organisation.

Employers take advantage of meeting you face-to-face. They will be interested in how you present and will try to gauge the extent of your verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 

There are five important points to remember when preparing for your interview.

1)    Do your research

Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the job. Look at their website and search for any news items referencing the company. Get to know the organisational structure, the company values and the company’s products or services.  Be familiar with the job description and be familiar with your resume as you will be quizzed on it.
Think of examples which you might be able to use in the interview to explain your skill set and your work behaviours. Look over potential questions that might be asked but do not rehearse and memorise answers. Using memorised answers in an interview will give the impression that you are unable to think quickly on your feet. Instead, brainstorm ideas and examples from your own experiences.

2)    Make a good first impression

Don’t be late to the interview. Dress conservatively and professionally. It is essential that you present well.
Make and maintain eye contact with the interviewer and use a firm handshake. Keep in mind how your body language may be interpreted so do your best to not seem nervous.

3)    Be engaged

It is essential that you are an engaged participant in the interview. This means listening closely to the interviewer, asking questions, and commenting on what the interviewer is saying. Remember that the interview is not just a chance for the interviewer to fire questions at you, it also your chance to ask questions to gauge whether the job is right for you.
Consider these examples of questions you could ask the interviewer.

“Is this a newly created or already existing position?”

“Who would I report to?”

“Who would I work with?”

“What would my responsibilities be?”

Often it is best to keep the bulk of your questions till the end.
Present yourself honestly and be positive and enthusiastic. If you want to work there, show it. Keep in mind, however, that over-eagerness may be interpreted as insincerity. Do your best to strike a balance.

4)    Be concise

When answering questions be concise and clear. You need to provide the most relevant information in a way that is easy for the interviewer to quickly digest (and transcribe if they are taking notes).
Watch the interviewer’s body language to see whether you are speaking too much or not enough.

5)    Follow up

After the interview it is a good idea to take down some notes from the interview. This will help you in the event of a second interview.
Follow up the interview by contacting the interviewer within a few days. This shows your level of interest and initiative, and will likely work in your favour.

Common Interview Questions

•    "Tell me about yourself?"

•    “Why are you the best person for this job?”

•    “What are your career aspirations?”

•    “Why did you leave your last position?”

•    “What are some examples of where you have worked to deadlines or to targets?”

•    “What is your biggest weakness?”

•    “What are your strengths?”

•    “What are some examples of where you have worked well as part of a team?”

•    “Tell us about a time in which you overcame obstacles at work?”

•    “What accomplishment are you most proud of?”

•    “How do you handle conflict?”

•    “Why are you interested in this industry/company?”

•    “What is an example of a problem you have solved successfully?”

•    “What did you like/dislike about your last position?”

•    What interests you about our products/services? How would you improve them?

•    What impact do you think you will have on our business?

Customised Competency Based Behavioural Questions are asked by FM Recruitment Services consultants and revealed only in face to face interview.

All Candidates applying for a particular role are asked consistent questions to maintain objectivity.