Getting ready for your interview                  

Congratulations! To get to this stage, you've obviously been successful in your application. Now, it’s time to get serious about how to stand out from the remaining applicants for this position... 
 

Step 1 - Find out as much as you can about the organisation
Conduct research on the organisation - products, services, branches, etc.
Find information in White and Yellow Pages Directories, in local libraries and on the internet at www.ibisworld.com.au for listings of Australia’s top 2000 companies. If possible, visit the actual workplace to familiarise yourself with the environment so that you will feel comfortable for your interview.

Step 2 - Get the facts straight: names, places, times
Know exactly where you are to meet, with whom and when.
Repeat these details when making the appointment. If you are told the names of panel members, write them down. Work out exactly how you’re going to get to the appointment and how long it will take, especially if your interview is during peak hour traffic.

Step 3 - Prepare answers to possible questions you may be asked
Prepare answers to possible questions you may be asked about the Selection Criteria.This is the most important part of the interview. Here are some valuable tips:
a) Think of possible questions based on the Selection Criteria
b) Write down your answers to clarify your thoughts

Step 4 - Prepare questions you can ask when offered the opportunity
During the interview, you will nearly always be offered the opportunity to ask questions. This is your chance to impress the selection panel with your knowledge of their organisation and/or their industry. Some appropriate questions may be about:

• The type of team the successful applicant will be joining
• Career path opportunities in the organisation
• Training and development opportunities within the organisation
• When you can expect to hear about the job

Step 5 - Prepare a folder to take with you to the interview
Present any documents or examples of your work to support your application.
Provide evidence of qualifications (originals or copies certified by a J.P.).

Step 6 - Clarify facts and figures about former positions
You may be asked about budgets, turnovers, sales, etc in former positions.  
Refresh your memory so that you have relevant facts on hand. Impress the panel with your brilliant memory - even if you've only read the facts a few minutes before your interview it will make you sound highly credible.

Step 7 - Plan what you are going to wear to the interview
Look businesslike! Wear navy or black tailored clothing to look professional. This is not the time to try out that jazzy new outfit. Choose conservative, comfortable clothes that make you feel confident, so that you won’t be distracted by what you’re wearing. Check your personal grooming to ensure you have fresh breath, clean nails, neat hair and freshly pressed clothing.

Now, you can just relax ... and enjoy your interview! Research shows that people who are confident and relaxed during the interview are much more likely to get the job.

This information is based on material in the book Selection Criteria Toolkit which is available online by clicking this link.