Job interviews
Getting a job interview is a great achievement. It shows that the employer was impressed and wants to find out more about you. At the interview, the employer is trying to choose the best person for the job and you’re trying to prove you are the right person. You’ll need to plan what you want to ask and practice what you want to say. Being prepared shows that you have initiative and are motivated – two qualities that employers look for.
Preparing for an interview
What the employer might ask
Every interview is different but there are some types of questions that are nearly always asked. We’ve listed some on the next page – so you can think about what you might say. Write your answers down and practise with a friend, or in front of a mirror.
If you’ve been out of work a while, have gaps in your CV or have had a lot of employers, you may be asked about it and should have a brief explanation ready.
If the employer asks if you’ve ever been fired or convicted of a crime tell the truth. Say briefly what happened, explain how you’ve changed or what you’d do differently now and ask for a second chance.
Be ready to ask your own questions
The questions you ask show that you are interested in making sure the job is right for you. Here are some suggestions.
- What would I be doing and what would a typical day be like?
- Which tasks are the most important ones?
- How would I be trained or introduced to the job?
- How long should it take me to get up to speed?
- How many people will I be working with, what do they do?
- Could I see where I’d be working and meet the team?
- When would you like me to start?
If the interviewer doesn’t tell you things like wages, overtime, holidays and sick leave, it’s okay to ask about them. We suggest you do this towards the end of the interview – after you’ve found out all about the job and have had a chance to tell the employer how suitable you would be.
Take information with you
Take a folder to the interview with your original CV, certificates and references (and spare copies), a copy of your application and any letters you’ve sent the employer – plus anything else they’ve sent you. Also take along your notes and questions to jog your memory. It’s okay to check your notes and to take notes as well.
Be ready on time
Know the time and place of the interview and the name of the person who will be interviewing you (remember it may be more than one person).
Arrive early so that you have time to relax and feel confident. If you want to take family or whānau along, you’ll need to arrange this beforehand with the person who is interviewing you.
Make a good impression
The impression you create in the first few minutes is very important. The employer uses your presentation to assess your attitudes, values and how you will fit in with the company. They may seem obvious but it’s worth repeating some simple rules.
- Take extra care with the way you look.
- Wear clean suitable clothes and shoes (no trackpants, t-shirts or tight short clothes).
- Smile, shake hands firmly and look people in the eye.
- Address people as Mr, Mrs or Ms unless they say otherwise.
- Wait to be asked to sit down – be relaxed but sit upright.
- Don’t smoke, eat, use a water bottle or chew gum.
- Try not to fiddle with your hair, clothes or pens.
- Don’t be critical of other companies or people.
Remember to relax – be friendly and polite
The interview is your chance to tell the employer why you are the right person for the job.
It’s normal to be nervous – but try to relax. Be friendly and polite and try to keep good eye contact. Listen carefully to questions you’re asked and give positive, honest answers. Check your notes if you need to and take more notes if you want. If you don’t hear or understand something ask the interviewer to repeat it.
At the end thank the employer for the interview and ask when they will be making the decision.
Some typical questions an employer may ask
Why do you want to work for this organisation?
- What made you apply for this particular job?
- How did you hear about this organisation?
- What do you know about us as an organisation?
- What do you imagine a ________ does?
- What do you see as the major issues facing our company?
- What challenges are you looking for in this position?
Behavioural/situational questions
- Give me an example of your problem-solving style.
- What are the accomplishments/achievements that have given you the most satisfaction?
- Give me an example of how you have provided good customer service.
- Tell us of a time when you believe your communications skills were particularly good.
- What is a goal that you have set and how did you go about achieving that goal?
- Tell me about a time when you were part of a group or a team.
- Tell me about a time when you took a leadership role within a group.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
- Outline your personal goals for this year.
- What experience have you had working with people from other cultures?
- How would your friends describe you?
- Why did you choose your particular course?
- Why did you choose to go to university/polytechnic?
- What do you do for fun?
- What current issues do you feel strongly about?
Closing the interview
Some things to remember are:
- If you get the impression that the interview is not going well, don't let your discouragement show.
- If you are interested in the position, state your interest and ask what the next steps in the process will be.
- If the interviewer offers the position to you and you want it, accept on the spot, subject to viewing an employment contract.
- If the interviewer offers the position to you but you want some time to think it over, be polite in telling them so and agree on a definite date when you can provide an answer.
- Don’t be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary is discussed. They may want to consult with colleagues first or interview other candidates before making a decision.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to meet with them.
After the interview
You may be ready to relax after your interview, but there's a few things you should do before you put your feet up.
- Reward yourself for a job well done.
- If a work broker has sent you for the interview, tell them how the interview went. They'll want to talk with you before they call the interviewer and will appreciate your feedback. Let your work broker know if you're interested in the job or not.
- Write a thank you letter to the employer and post it on the same day to highlight your enthusiasm. You could mention something you forgot or provide any details that have been requested.
- Analyse your performance.
- Write down all the questions you were asked for future reference. Note which questions you may need to practise answering.
- Re-approach the employer when the timeframe for a decision has passed. If unsuccessful, ask for some feedback to help you with your job search or for ideas for further contacts.
- If offered the job, find out:
- the starting date, time and place
- what you need to bring eg proof of citizenship, IRD number, bank account number, tools, safety gear/clothes
- look over your employment agreement. You may want to discuss the wages/salary you've been offered.
Keep applying for other jobs while you wait to hear from the employer.
Every interview is a learning experience.
