Career Interview Coaching.

There are some general rules you can follow when preparing for an interview. By understanding and applying these rules, you will be poised for interview success.

• Research.

Before you even start your application, you should research the company and industry where you are applying. Being able to demonstrate a thorough understanding will show employers you are interested and enthusiastic.

• Apply the 50/50 rule.

During the interview, you and the interviewer should each speak about half the time. Speaking too much could show you are self-interested and over-confident; not speaking enough might show you lack confidence and are not the go-getter they want.

• Keep your answers between 20 seconds and 2 minutes.

Depending on the question, your answer should be anywhere between 20 seconds and 2 minutes. Long answers might seem like meaningless waffle; short answers may not sufficiently answer the question asked.

• Remember, YOU are the solution.

Be sure to relate your answers to how you can help solve the company’s problems. They are hiring a new person to help solve a specific problem; let them know YOU are the solution.

• Provide evidence.

Interviewers want to know how your past experience can be applied to solving their current problems. Be sure to provide evidence in your answers that demonstrates your skills and abilities in real-world situations.

• Be your best self!

Don’t forget, the interview process is designed to screen out unsuitable applicants. Make sure your answers are on-point, informative, and present you in the best possible way.

What you wear to an interview largely depends on the particular job and industry in which you are applying. It is important to give an interviewer the impression you are the right person for the job and the best way to do that is with a professional appearance.

The way you dress can tell an interviewer a lot about your personality and your attitude to working in a professional environment. If you are applying for a corporate position, consider a sharp suit with a light-coloured shirt/blouse. If it’s a trade job, wear a skirt/pants and a button-up shirt/blouse (no tie or jacket is required). You should generally avoid shorts, short skirts, and thongs.

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it is clean and pressed. Unclean, creased clothing will convey that you are a person who overlooks small details and can leave the impression you are sloppy and undisciplined.

It’s always a good idea to ask questions of the interviewer. There are some general questions you can ask that will let the interviewer know you have a personal interest in the job and the company.

• What are the job’s day-to-day responsibilities and who will I be working most closely with?

This will show the interviewer you are eager to learn more about the position.

• What are the company’s values and what do you look for in your employees to demonstrate those values?

This will show the interviewer you have a desire to be a team player.

• What do you enjoy the most about working at the company?

This will demonstrate your interest in learning more about the interviewer and the company.

• What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it?

This will show you are a results-driven person who thrives on achieving goals.

• Are there opportunities for professional development? If so, what do those look like?

This will show the interviewer you are a potentially a long-term prospect for their company.

• What do you see as the most challenging aspect of this job?

This will demonstrate your willingness to get stuck into a problem to find a solution.