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JOB INTERVIEWS TIPS

Got an important interview lined up? Have you been looking for work but struggling to nail that interview?

If so, ARG Workforce are here to help you!

One key advantage of going through a recruitment company when searching for your perfect job is the advice and training we can offer you. We have the perfect 3-P guide to help you ace that interview.

Interviews are daunting, no one is denying that, but the best way to overcome the stress of an interview is to be prepared!

First things first: Do your research.

Get to know the company you are applying for, their mission, values and their culture. Also look into the interviewer (if known), do a quick search on LinkedIn or read through their bio on the company website. This will show that you are prepared and eager to work for their company. The more you know about the company you are applying for, the more you can show that you are a ‘good fit’ for the job.

Next up: Study the job description!

This is the document that depicts whether you are a good fit for the job. Study it carefully and make sure your knowledge, skills and abilities align with what the company is looking for. Pick out one or two of these key points and think of a situation where you completed a task involving that skill, or a time when you overcame adversity in a similar environment.

Last but not least: Prepare some questions!

These well thought out questions can be used to demolish any reservations the interviewer may have of you. Make sure you do not include information that they have already given to you. Have a few prepared in case they have covered most aspects already.

You are your own brand, know it and advocate it. This is heavily reflected in how you present yourself. Wear appropriate work attire that is respectable and tidy, a scruffy appearance can give off the impression that you are a lazy worker. Tailor your style to the organisation you are interviewing for, i.e. a corporate position requires formal corporate wear, a trade position can be a clean and smart casual style.

When arriving for an interview, do not be late! But also remember to not be too early. The interviewer most likely has a very busy schedule so you definitely don’t want to put their day out, or make them feel rushed. Chances are you aren’t the only person being interviewed for the position either. Therefore, it is recommended that you arrive 5-10 minutes before your interview.

Never underestimate the value of non-verbal cues. A genuine smile goes a long way, eye contact is a must, and active listening shows enthusiasm. Be sure to not cut the interviewer off, wait until they ask an open ended question giving you time to respond. Smiling, nodding and repeating important information are all things that show you are interested in the conversation, and the position.

Checklist: 


  • Research the company and interviewer (if known)
  • Carefully read the position description
  • Prepare some questions
  • Present yourself in a professional manner
  • Participate in active listening
  • Be confident and advocate your own brand!
  • You are your own brand, know it and advocate it
 

RESUME HELP

Feeling overwhelmed with the thought of writing your resume? Don’t even know where to start?

Click on the link below for a helpful guide to producing a resume that is easy to read. Pack it full of facts that the employer is wanting to hear. Keep it concise and well laid out, and your resume will be sure to stand out!

 

HOW TO WRITE A COVERLETTER

The value of writing a cover letter should not be underestimated. It could mean the difference between you getting the chance to interview for your dream role, or your resume getting lost under a pile of applications – make your cover letter stand out!

A cover letter is a personal link to your hiring manager. Your cover letter is a way to connect your skills to that of the advertised job. Although we do not recommend applying for a job you are not qualified for, a cover letter can be used to explain any miss-match that might occur.

What to do:

  • Outline your key skills/experiences that are relevant to the specific job – be sure to outline what you can do for the company, not what the company could do for you.
  • Include your future aspirations – relate these to the job you are applying for.
  • Specify your current availability – check what is specified on the job description and show flexibility where you can.

What not to do:

  • Your cover letter should not read like a novel – keep it short, sweet and to the point.
 

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Congratulations! You have made it to the interview stage.

Interviews are largely behavioural based where the employer seeks to find a sense of who you are and how you might handle certain situations. They will discover your strengths and weaknesses so it is a perfect opportunity for you to sell your skills!

The most important tip we can give you is to be confident. The best way to achieve this is to be prepared, and that is where we step in:

The 7 most common interview questions and how to answer them:

Everyone has a weakness, so don’t say you don’t have one. Instead, try turning a minor weakness, that is unrelated to the role you’re applying for, and turn it into a positive. This shows that you are engaging in self-development practices.
This shows that you are self-aware and can handle a situation maturely and rationally. If you have not experienced a conflict at work, perhaps speak of a time you may have witnessed conflict and how you would have handled it differently.
This is a great question that gages your enthusiasm for the role and your knowledge of the company. Research the company’s owners, their mission and/ or values and be sure to link your key skills with the organisational goals.
Whenever an employer mentions teamwork, they want to get a sense of your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment. Most jobs you apply for will have you working in a team, therefore it is important to state that you are a team player. Give an example of a time you and your team were involved in a successful project.
Never speak badly of your employers – even if you had a horrible experience. Instead, mention that you want a more challenging role, more responsibility or a different experience / change of environment. Be sure to explain how your current role does not provide you with these things and how the role on offer can give you said opportunities for growth.
This question is asked to find out what your interests are and if the responsibilities of the new role have elements you may dislike. When mentioning your dislikes, make sure that your example does not reflect one of the new roles, i.e. do not say that you don’t enjoy talking on the phone if you are applying for a receptionist role. A good example would be one that reveals a positive trait, i.e. your need for urgency and your dislike for prolonged decision making.
The interviewer wants to know how well you deal with stress. They want to hear that you remain calm, have problem solving skills and are focused when faced with a difficult situation. Be sure to describe the context, how you approached the situation, the actions you took and the positive outcome.

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ARG Workforce

ARG Workforce is 100% Australian owned and is a leading recruitment company providing top class labour hire and recruitment services.

 

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