MyGreenGenz... Australian School-based Apprenticeships
MyGreenGenz... Australian School-based Apprenticeships

Job Interview Tips

 

Top 10 Interview Tips

  1. Plan and Prepare -Think about the job you are applying for. Research the organisation and position by looking on their website to find out what they do and call their office to request an information kit.

  2. Dress for Success - Dress according to the position eg. business attire for an administration traineeship and smart casual for a trade apprenticeship.

  3. Be on Time - Arrive 15 minutes early to make a great first impression and allow extra travel time in case of traffic or public transport delays.

  4. Establish Rapport - Find a common interest with your interviewer. Smile and be friendly.

  5. Ask Questions - Prepare your questions in advance, such as what hours will be required and what work day is preferable for the employer.

  6. Don't Discuss Wages - Generally this will be discussed at the second interview.

  7. Be a Good Listener - Listen to what the employer tells you about the organisation and the position - generally they will ask you questions based on this information.

  8. Be Enthusiastic - Sell yourself! Let the employer know you want the job.

  9. First Impressions - Generally most employers will come back to you within 1-2 weeks, if you haven't heard contact the employer to gain feedback.


Job Interview Checklist

Preparation

  • Know where you are going
  • Know who you are seeing
  • If you can, research the position and the company
  • Know what questions you want to ask
  • Think about what the employer is looking for

Punctuality

  • Give yourself plenty of time to Arrive, Refresh and Revive.

Presentation

  • Clothes - Neat, clean, ironed and appropriate for position.
  • You - Be well groomed and confident. Carry a comb or brush with you and freshen up prior to going into the interview.
  • Resume - Make sure your resume is on clean paper and NOT creased or folded. Ensure the information is presented in an appealing, easy to read way and that is correct.


What to Wear to an Interview

The key is to choose clothes to show you'll fit in with the company 'look' or 'culture'. Check out what their employees are wearing and try to match that. If anything, be conservative. Stay away from lots of jewellery - one simple pair of earrings and a watch is sufficient. Take out or cover up non-mainstream piercings. For example, if you have applied for an Office Administration Traineeships:

Males:
  • Business attire - a suit if you have one
  • Dark business shoes - remember to polish
  • Business shirt
  • Dark socks (match trousers and shoes, keep the cartoon birthday socks for BBQs)
  • Neat haircut (if you have long hair, tie it back)
  • Keep jewellery to a minimum

Females:

  • Business attire - a suit if you have one
  • Court shoes - remember to polish
  • Neat haircut (if you have long hair, tie it back)
  • Remove chipped nail polish
  • Makup - keep to a minimum
  • Stockings (if wearing a skirt)
  • Be careful not to use too much perfume

For example, if you have applied for an Carpentry Apprenticeship:

Males:

  • Jeans and a collared shirt
  • Clean shoes
  • Neat haircut
  • Keep jewellery to a minimum

Females:

  • Smart casual outfit - jeans adn a collared shirt
  • Clean shoes
  • Neat hair
  • Remove chipped nail polish
  • Makeup - keep to a minimum


Job Interview Techniques

First Impressions Last

Your appearance makes an instant impression when meeting people for the first time. In the first 30 seconds you will be evaluated by:

55% - the way we dress, act and walk through the door
38% - the quality of our voice grammar and overall confidence
7% - from what we actually say

Presentation & Grooming

  • Have a shower, wash your hair and shave on the morning of the interview
  • Have your clothes either dry-cleaned or washed and ironed properly
  • Cut and clean nails and wear clear, pale nail polish
  • Limit the amount of perfume, aftershave, jewellery you wear
  • Have a haircut, beard trim and neck shave if needed\
  • Clean shoes
  • Wear something you feel comfortable in (if not use to wearing a tie or makeup - don't wear it)
Body Language / Non-Verbal Communication

Things you should do...
  • Smile
  • Maintain eye contact
  • Sit up straight
  • Slightly lean forward in chair
  • Acknowledge all people conducting interview
  • Nod when appropriate
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes early
  • Give good firm handshake
  • Turn your mobile phone off
Thing you don't do...
  •  Fidget, touch their desk
  • Shake your leg, flick hair, sniff, scratch
  • Yawn, look at watch at anytime
  • Slouch, lean back, cross arms / legs
  • Smoke, chew gum, swear or use slang
  • Stare, look too serious
  • Make any bodily noises
  • Appear overly nervous or rushed
  • Answer your mobile phone
Sarina Russo Job Access (Australia) Pty Ltd trading as Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services is an Australian Apprenticeships Centre contracted by the Australian Government as represented by the Department of Education, Science and Training to provide Australian Apprenticeships Support Services to employers and Australian Apprentices. Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services is one of a number of Australian Apprenticeships Centres in Victoria. This website does not represent the Australian Government. If you wish to access information about Australian Apprenticeships from the Australian Government, you should access the website: www.AustralianApprenticeships.gov.au.

Copyright © 2007 MyGreenGenz