Preparing for and attending interviews is a very
important part of getting a job. Being prepared means you will feel more confident
about going into an interview. Attending job interviews can be a scary task.
The following information provides tips and advice on preparing for and
attending interviews:
1. PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
Role playing is a great way to practice how you will
respond to common interview questions. Practice how you will answer any
questions by role playing with a friend. During an interview you are likely to
be asked common questions about why you should be chosen for the job. Prepare
an answer to possible questions. Think about how you see the job, what the job
needs and how your skills, abilities and qualities will meet those needs. Don’t
forget that you can ask questions during an interview. Take time to find out
about the job you are being interviewed for and the organisation. Show that you
are really interested in the job!
Before your interview, try to find out as much as you
can about the job, such as:
• what tasks you would be performing in the job
• your rights and responsibilities
• information about the organisation and its policies
and procedures in relation to employing people with disability
• how your disability might impact on the requirements
of the job.
2. PLAN YOUR TRAVEL TO THE INTERVIEW
It’s a good idea to plan your trip to the interview
well in advance. Do a practice run so you know where you are going and how long
it will take you. Make sure you allow time for traffic and transport delays.
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, so that you have some time to collect
yourself and compose your thoughts. Arriving early also shows the employer that
you are keen.
3. ATTENDING THE INTERVIEW
Interviews provide employers with an opportunity to
find out about you and what you know. They may involve one interviewer or
several people, known as a panel interview. Being a bit nervous at an interview
is normal so do your best to appear calm, friendly and confident and consider
the following tips:
• an interview starts from the first moment of contact
so be aware of ‘small talk’
• if you are asked a question that you are not sure
about, ask the interviewer to explain or clarify the question. This shows that
you are not afraid to ask questions to get things right
• if you are not sure of how to answer a question, take
a moment to think about it. Pausing is perfectly OK and shows you don’t panic
under pressure
• be sure in your responses and avoid using ‘I might’
or ‘I guess’
• when the interview is over, thank the interviewers
for their time.
Even if you think the interview has been a disaster, be
polite as it may not have been as bad as you think! If you miss out on one job,
the employer could still be thinking of you for another more suitable position
in the future.
4. AFTER THE INTERVIEW
After the interview you should think about how you went
at the interview. Make some notes about what happened. Think about how you can
improve. For example, perhaps you were asked a really tough question and want
to have an answer ready if you are asked that question again. Ask your
interviewer for feedback, if you don’t get the job. Ask what you could improve
on, as well as if they thought your work skills and experience were lacking in
any area. This will help you with future interviews.
