How to ace your job interview

Here are some simple tips to help you shine and get the job you want.

Prepare ahead

• Know the job: Read the job ad carefully. Understand what the employer is looking for.
• Research: Learn about the company. What do they make or do? Have a look at the company website for information about their priorities and values. Knowing this helps you answer questions better and shows you're interested.

Practice

• Mock interviews: Practice with a friend or family member. Use a job ad to create questions and Google “Most commonly asked interview questions”
• STAR method: Use this method to answer questions. STAR stands for:
  • Situation: Describe a situation you were in.
  • Task: Explain the task you had to complete.
  • Action: Describe the actions you took.
  • Result: Share the results of your actions.

For example:

• Situation: “In my part-time job at a café, we had a sudden rush of customers.”
• Task: “I needed to ensure all customers were served quickly and efficiently.”
• Action: “I organised my team, delegated tasks, and helped out wherever needed.”
• Result: “We managed to serve everyone promptly, and customer feedback was very positive.”

Types of job interviews

• Face-to-face: The most common type. You meet the interviewer in person.
• Phone: Often used for initial screenings. Make sure you're in a quiet place.
• Video: Becoming more popular. Test your technology beforehand and find a good spot with minimal distractions. Make sure to blur the background or add a video effect so that employers cannot see your actual background, which may be distracting.

Dress for success

• Look professional: Wear clean, neat clothes. It shows you are serious about the job.

During the interview

• Be on time: Arrive a little early. It shows you are punctual.
• Stay calm: Take deep breaths if you feel nervous. It’s okay to pause and think before you answer.
• Be honest: If you don’t know something, it’s better to say so than to guess.

After the interview

• Thank you note: Send a thank you email. It shows you appreciate the opportunity.

Remember, practice and preparation are key. Good luck with your interviews and go get that job!