Interview tips for your first job

The benefits of preparation

Job interviews can be stressful. Practising and preparing beforehand can:

• help reduce any nerves or anxiety
• boost your confidence in performing as well as you can
• highlight gaps in your knowledge so you can be as fully prepared as possible.

Research

An important pre-interview task is to research the organisation and industry you're looking to join. 

If you do this, you're more likely to be able to share information specific to the employer and the role, which can demonstrate your initiative and enthusiasm.

This may improve your chances of succeeding, or at least advancing to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Practising your interview 

There are common questions that arise in many interview situations. Prepare your answers in advance and practise out loud how you’d respond.

Initial interview questions generally relate to:

• your experience - “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• your reasons for applying - “Why did you apply for this role?”
• your career objectives - “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
• how you identified and managed a challenging situation - “Tell me about a problem you had at a previous job or school, and how you solved it.”

If you're not successful

If you don't get a job following an interview, it doesn't mean it was a waste of time. Even an unsuccessful interview can be great practice for future interviews, both for learning what questions you may be asked and how best to answer. 

Many employers and recruiters are happy to provide feedback on how you interviewed, so don't be afraid to ask if you're told you weren't successful in getting the job. Feedback can provide useful insights into areas for focus and improvement, and might help you get the next job.

Learn more about preparing and practising for a job interview at Workforce Australia.