At interview it is your real chance to shine. To make the most of the opportunity, sound preparation is absolutely vital. Here are a few tips…


1. Research the company:

Companies are generally impressed by candidates who have done their homework. Being knowledgeable about the businesses and the role on offer is important and, therefore, you may want to…

• Try to get hold of a detailed job description prior to interview and ensure you have studied it.

• Go to the company’s website or call the head office and request company literature.

• Research the market place, for example customers and competitors.

• Examine the company’s history, its products or services, its location, its performance and its growth potential.

• Check out the company’s financials.

2. Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview:

You need to know if the job is absolutely right for you. It is important therefore to review your research and make a list of any questions you need answering. Examples of areas to cover are:

• Your understanding of the role and the key achievements expected over the next 12 to 18 months. Make sure you are comfortable with them.

• Career opportunities within the organisation.

• Any advanced training programmes for those demonstrating outstanding ability.

• The company’s growth plans.

• The next steps in the hiring process.

3. Personal presentation:

First impressions will have an impact on virtually all interviewers. Make sure you follow the guidelines below.

• Men – wear a business suit, shirt & tie, neat haircut, polished shoes.

• Women – wear a business suit, shirt, neat hairstyle, polished shoes.

• Work on your interview presentation. You only get one chance, be precise and concise and don’t ramble.

• Know yourself and be aware of your strengths, weaknesses and behavioural style.

4. Arrive at the interview with plenty of time to spare.

Also remember the interview commences as soon as you enter the premises so be courteous to all the people that you meet.


The Interview Itself

1. Introduction:

Remember these pointers:

• Make good eye contact.

• Have a firm handshake.

• Offer a relaxed manner.

2. Opening Company question:

Normally there will be a broad question to start with, such as “tell me about yourself”. In this case, as with all broad questions during the interview, the simple guidance is:

• Identify what the interviewers would like to know.

• Concentrate on the areas they mention.

• Be factual and concise in your answers.

3. Further questioning:

You are being interviewed because the employer wants to hire people – not because they want to trip you up or embarrass you. They will be searching out your strong and weak points, evaluating your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities, and probing your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

Put your good points across in a factual, logical, sincere manner. Stress achievements such as sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed etc using language such as ‘I did’ or ‘I was responsible for’.

Never make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.

4. Your questions:

When you ask the questions you thought of during your preparation only concentrate on ground not covered during the first part of the interview.

Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement etc. during the initial interview. If you are asked about your salary expectations, tell them what it would take for you to accept the position but remember your interest in the role is equally important.

5. Closing the interview:

At the end of an interview it’s important to make sure the employer knows you are keen on the position, that you have made the points you wanted to make and that you fully understand the job, where it fits in the organisation and its future potential.

You can ask your interviewers if they have any reservations and try to resolve them before you leave the interview. Sometimes sending a thank you email after the interview helps to reinforce your interest in the role.


Post Interview

Please call Optus as soon as possible after the interview with your feedback to enable us to liaise with the company on your behalf.