How to get a job; 08 October 2018

11 tips for an awesome job interview

woman waiting for interview iStock 104278528

Follow these interview tips to increase your chances of getting the job.

What's on this page?

You’ve got a job interview coming up? Congratulations! You’ve impressed the recruiter with your professional CV and cover letter and now they want to meet you.

It’s natural to be a bit nervous, but with a little preparation you’ll be ready to show off the talents and skills you have to offer.

To make the whole interview process easier, we’ve made two easy-to-follow checklists. The first will help you prepare for the interview, and the second will make sure you know what to do afterwards.

What to do before the interview

  1. Research the organisation

    Find out some key facts about the organisation – especially their history and their current work. Their website is a great place to look for information.

  2. Prepare some answers to questions you might be asked

    There are lots of websites with examples of common interview questions.

  3. Prepare some examples from your work history

    Prove you can demonstrate the skills they’re looking for.

  4. Have your own questions ready

    Ask the interviewer questions about the job and what working at the organisation is like.

  5. Practise your interview

    Do a mock interview with someone you trust such as a friend or family member.

  6. Know where the interview is

    Find out where the interview is and work out how long it will take to get there. After all, you don’t want to be late!

  7. Have your clothing ready

    Make sure you have your outfit picked out and ready to go the night before your interview.

What to do after the interview

  1. Send a thank you note

    Send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time on the day after your interview.

  2. Think about how the interview went

    Take some time to work out what went well and what you could improve on. Also think about whether the organisation is a place you want to work.

  3. Keep up your job search

    It might take a while for you to hear back so keep on going with your job hunt.

  4. Don’t give up

    If you don’t get the job, don’t give up! Ask if they can give you any feedback and keep on going. The right job is just around the corner.

Updated 13 Oct 2020