A job interview allows a potential employer to determine what – and how – you could contribute to their organisation. It is also an opportunity for you to discover what to expect if you get the job, and work out if it is the right position for you. With this in mind, consider your interview a mutually beneficial exchange. Preparation is key to ensuring your potential employer understands why you would be a valuable asset.
Interviews come in all shapes and sizes. Finding out which method you’ll be faced with will put you in the best position to adequately prepare. Popular methods include:
The structure of an interview will depend on the role you are applying for, the employer and the industry they exist in. Some employers hold three rounds of 30–60 minute face-to-face interviews, while others progress from a telephone call, to a video interview, a face-to-face meet up and finally, an assessment day.
During your interview there are many different types of questions you could be asked. These include:
‘Get to know you’ questions:
Situational questions:
Technical questions
Industry questions:
Many interviews also involve behavioural or competency-based questions, which are designed to elicit specific examples of how you handled situations in the past. These provide insight into your behaviour and can be used to determine how you might handle similar situations in the future.
Examples include:
Some sectors conduct very specific types of interviews. Consultancy firms for example, frequently use case studies designed to test your ability to process and analyse information, and come up with solutions. These can be conducted individually or in a group. Case studies are typically related to the kind of scenarios you would face in the role, but can also include brainteasers, such as ‘How many people are using Facebook in Sydney at 2.30 pm on a Friday?’
If you are applying for an academically-related position – including interviewing for further study or research – you can also expect questions to focus on your discipline of study.
In all cases, if you make it through to a second or third round interview, be prepared to meet with managers, partners or similarly senior staff. If they test you with some hard-hitting questions, remember: keep your cool, analyse what they are trying to learn about you, and answer clearly and concisely.
How to prepare
Having detailed knowledge about an employer and the industry they work in, and being ready to answer an array of questions, is key to acing your interview.