7 Tips for preparing for a job interview

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Seven tips for interview success - the first one is - change the way you prepare!

Do you prepare for job interviews by memorising answers to anticipated questions? Do you find it difficult to answer an unexpected question at a job interview? Do you go off on a tangent when answering a question? If you have answered yes to any or all of the above questions, it is time for you change how you prepare for a job interview. Start by asking yourself each of the questions below and write down your answers: Do I always need to see (visual) the information to understand and remember? Do I always need to hear (aural) the information to understand and remember? Do I always need to do the work (kinaesthetic) to understand and remember?In fact, while most people learn new information using all three learning styles with a slight preference for one or even two. Some people have a strong preference for a particular learning style. If your learning style is strongly visual and/or kinaesthetic then, the interview process makes it difficult for you to clearly demonstrate your suitability for the job. To succeed at interview you need to adapt your job interview preparation to suit your learning style. The following are some practical tips you can use to prepare for a job interview:

Re-read the job description, duty statement and any additional information provided by the prospective employer.
As part of the reading process highlight the skills, experience, qualifications and personal attributes mentioned in the job description.
Make a list of all the requirements.
Add to the list the implied skills or personal attributes - for example if the advert asks for someone who must meet tight deadlines the implied skills may include being organised, planning and setting priorities,
Once you have completed this process, organise the list by the topics covered.
Next prepare your answers in point form under each topic and add examples for each topic.
You are now ready to start practicing answering questions.

If you would like to ask a question about your specific needs please write to Deborah at info@impressiveinterviews.com.au or ring (M) 0412 007 682 to arrange an appointment.

About Deborah Barit

Deborah Barit is a Sydney based author, trainer, consultant and Director of Impressive Interviews who specialises in training individuals and groups for job interviews. She has successfully placed clients from professions as diverse as health, law, IT, senior management and the arts in positions of their choice. For the last 15 years she has specialised in training doctors for medical specialty selection interviews and more recently consultants for senior roles.

Prior to this, her career has included selection and recruitment both in Australia and overseas, labour market research, evaluation of government-funded programs and working with disability employment services. She holds a Bachelor of Economics Degree from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations form UTS.

Deborah is a member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development,