22 tips for preparing for a job interview

If you’re preparing for a job interview, browse through our 22 interview tips to increase your chances of winning the position. This information will give you an advantage when applying for jobs and get you ready for the job interview process in today’s competitive markets.

Research

1. The organisation

Find out about who your interviewing with. Look at their website, recruitment information, annual report(s), and search for media articles about it.

2. The industry

Which industry sector does the organisation operate in? What is currently impacting the sector and what developments are likely to impact in the future?

3. The job

Examine the job on offer in details, including the position and/or person specification. Search the web for profiles of employees who hold the same or similar roles and read the relevant occupational profiles.

Check

4. Directions and parking

If you can, drive to the interview location in advance and park so you can see how long the journey takes.

5. Paperwork

Remember to bring any paperwork, licenses or official documents you’ll need to show.

Confirm

6. Logistics

Make sure you know the interview time, expected length and location.

7. Interview type

Ask what type of interview is being conducted and whether there will be any tests or group exercise.

8. Materials

Will you need to prepare anything specific, like a presentation.

9. People

Find out who will be conducting the interview. Look up their LinkedIn profile to get more of an insight into them.

Practise

10. Questions and answers

Review the questions you think may be asked and plan your responses.

11. Role play

Enlist a friend or family member to do a mock interview.

12. Be positive

Visualise going through the full interview experience and performing well.

Dress

13. Match the culture

Choose an appropriate outfit for the job, company and the industry, including clothes, accessories and make-up.

14. Prepare

Decide on your outfit well in advance and ensure it is clean, ironed and ready to wear.

15. Be well-groomed

Personal grooming is essential.

16. Smell nice

Avoid wearing overpowering fragrance. If you smoke, resist the temptation to have a cigarette before the interview.

Plan

17. Be early

Arrive about 10 minutes’ early – late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you’re running late, phone the company to let them know

18. Come prepared

Bring extra resumes to the interview and put them in a professional-looking folder. If you have a portfolio, also bring that to the interview.

Be positive

19. Early night

Get a good night’s sleep. Read our tips if you can’t sleep before an interview.

20. Be comfortable

Eat well and drink plenty of water on the day.

21. Think positively

Think positive thoughts about getting through the interview successfully.

22. Be polite

Greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect and make a good first impression.

Want help preparing for a job interview?

If you want more help preparing for a job interview, ask about our career coaching services and programs.