Interviews — Getting it Right

By being prepared

• Research the company
• Always ring for further information
• Prepare questions for the interview
• Know yourself and your aspirations
• Check the address and how to get there, do a dry run the day before if possible
• Make sure you check your interview time
• Make an appointment with the careers service

By self-evaluation

• Take some time to consider your skills, values, interests and abilities. Employers like people who know themselves and are well-balanced

By being relaxed

• Try exercising before the interview
• Try breathing exercises designed to help you relax
• Make sure you have done your research

Types of Interviews

• Panel Interview
• One-on-One
• Group Interviews
• Phone Interviews
• Assessment Centres

Interview format

• Introduction — rapport building questions
• Body of the interview questions and answers, most use behavioural interview style
• Give succinct, honest answers
• Make eye contact and speak slowly
• You don’t need to speak all the time — pause and wait when you have nothing more to say
• At the end of the interview ask your prepared questions
• Thank the panel for their time

Interview Skills Workshop

The Careers Service runs workshops on Interview Skills several times each session. Workshops are advertised under events on SCU UniHub.

Making an Impact: The Graduate Job Interview DVD

To see the DVD of Making an Impact: The Graduate Job Interview please book a viewing time by calling 6620 3220 or email careers@scu.edu.au.
For a preview of this DVD click here.

Updated: 21 November 2011