1. Interview Preparation

2. “Be prepared” Before the interview, confirm TIME, DATE & LOCATION! Plan your journey!! Know where you are going, how you’ll get there and the travelling time required Don’t be afraid to ask who’ll be conducting the interview and how long it might take

3. Know your company or organisation: Use Websites, Industry journals/papers, annual reports etc What is the company’s culture and it’s key business interests/activities Research the company’s key clients, competitors and current projects What is the company looking for in Graduates, and why you ‘fit’ Do your research!

4. How to demonstrate “good fit” Think about what you would bring to the company… What are your strengths & weaknesses? What experiences have you had which might demonstrate technical skills and cultural fit Know your resume and use it as a reference – but don’t read from it. Take samples of your work to date – provide evidence of your abilities wherever you can! Be passionate!

5. Prepare questions you would like answered about the role, the company and your future within it… Plan your trip there…. try to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview! Dress comfortably but appropriately – smart business attire demonstrates professionalism Be positive and enthusiastic!!! First impressions count. Final preparations

6. AT THE INTERVIEW

7. THE BASICS  Interviews are about sharing information  Make a good first Impression  Deal with NERVES  Ask quality questions.  Answer honestly and completely  Don’t be afraid to ask to “repeat the question”  Don’t complain or “bag” other people (employers, team members, other grads you know).

8. TYPES OF INTERVIEW Phone – experience & interest areas, communication skills Group / Assessment Centre – social skills / interaction, communication (verbal & non), team work, time management, problem solving First – communication skills, fit for role &/or company, your opportunity to ask questions Second – let the negotiations commence...

9. MOTIVATIONAL QUESTIONS  HOW you go about your work  Test WHAT you are MOTIVATED by  Test your culture “FIT” to an organisation  Test the CONSISTENCY of your responses  If you were a Dog, what kind of dog would you be? (trick questions)

10. BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS  What are they for? Past Actions = future performance  What are competencies?  Teamwork, Problem Solving, Flexibility, Ownership, Time Management, Delivery / Deadline orientation. Etc….  How to recognise these questions ?

11. BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS CONT.. 1.Can you detail an occasion when you took responsibility beyond what was required of you in your role? What was the outcome? 2.What has been the most challenging customer you have dealt with? What made it challenging? What is the relationship like now?

12. STAR!!!!  How do I answer these sort of questions?  Its like telling a story about YOU - Don’t waffle!  Use the first person “I did”  S - Situation  T – Task or thing that was required of you  A – Action – or what you did  R – Result, and what you learned

13. EXTRA TIPS  Prepare!!  Follow up (email thanking for the opportunity)  Ask what happens now (know what to expect)  Turn your mobile off!!  Strike a balance - Be clear on what you want (ideal role) but be flexible also. Don’t say you are interested if you are not!!!  Ask questions if you don’t understand the JOB.