How To Make A Good Impression At Interviews

You only have one chance to make a good impression – make it count!

OK, so you blitzed the application process with an attention-grabbing Resume (CV) and standout Cover Letter and have secured an interview!

There is a lot of pressure as you may really need some extra cash for your student budget with this job over the uni break or part-time work for the year ahead in Australia. Remember, don’t panic.

The most important part of a job interview is the beginning as you only get one chance to make a great first impression. We’ve put together so many ways… to help you make a good first impression at interview in Australia.

14 ways to make a good impression at interview in Australia

1. Have the inside scoop

Take the time to research the organisation a little more thoroughly, be prepared to answer questions about what you know about the company. Where possible see if you can find out a little more information, check out the company’s social profiles or network or the hiring manager on LinkedIn for further insight and current information.

2. Review the job ad again

Yes, you’ve read the ad before when you submitted your CV and Cover Letter, but a quick review will help with clarity in your answers to align with the requirements stated in the ad.

3. Be on time – punctuality is important!

This is a no-brainer, show up on time! If you are running late, make sure you message the potential employer as that is better than arriving very late with a poor excuse.

4. Make sure your phone is off and out of sight

No one wants a ringtone to go off during the interview. Also, don’t default to looking at your phone during the interview, even if you would like to refer to something mid interview, expecting the interviewer to wait whilst you scroll through for a photo or reference is not ideal. Instead you can send the reference post interview with a follow up thank you.

5. Dress to impress 

It is important to wear appropriate interview attire. Whilst your appearance alone will not be the basis of whether you are successful or not, it does certainly play a part. It can be really awkward if you show up at a job interview over or underdressed. That said even for casual positions it is good to make an effort. Remember to go light on the perfume or cologne as this can be overpowering in an interview format.

6. Be confident and be aware of your body language

Your body language can speak volumes. Be conscious to make eye contact to convey confidence and not fidget too much as this can give away your nerves! Make sure you are orgainsed and any references that you may like to show during the meeting are readily accessible, even a pen should you wish to take a note, the less you have to fidget with a bag or backpack the better!

7. Speak clearly, listen and answer questions with clarity

Be aware of your tone, if you are shy try to avoid speaking too softly and remember speaking too loudly can appear too dominating to work in a team. You can practice with friends to test your tone!

To help you have the time to think about your answers you may restate the question in your reply.

For example, if you are asked: “Can you tell me about a time where you multi-tasked?”

You could restate the question in your answer as “There have been many times I have successfully multi-tasked, one that I recall was…” 

This gives you time to think about what you would like to say and avoid words such as: ‘um’ ‘so’ or ‘like’.

8. Take a big breath

Interviews can be stressful, take time to visit the bathroom wash and dry your hands, practice talking in the mirror or simply to take a deep breath and remember you are here as you have been invited to the interview – You’ve got this!

9. Have a good handshake

When greeting your interviewer it is custom to shake hands and introduce yourself to start the meeting. This small gesture conveys that you are excited to be there and ready to answer questions and confident to take on the role!

10. Smile

Don’t overdo it like a crazy person but remembering to smile and be positive will show your natural interpersonal skills and make you more likely to be hired.

11. Be enthusiastic

Show your passion and genuine interest in the role. OK so maybe you’re applying for a casual position – that is not your career goal – such as retail sales or helping in a cafe, whatever it is, you need to show you are excited about the opportunity and convey that you will be a positive fit for the role!

12. Share a story or two

Sometimes it can help to use storytelling to convey your skills. This can engage your interviewer, especially if they have similar interests – so be tactful don’t go off on a tangent, use this method as an effective way to back up some of your skills or achievements or even examples from your uni course.

13. Follow up

Don’t be afraid to show you care about the position by following up with an email or phone call expressing thanks for the interview and that you are very interested in the role!

Remember the interviewer is also out of their comfort zone, they have a short time to review many applicants and make a decision on the information they have received. So, make it easy for them by doing all of the above!

14. Know your working rights in Australia

If you are an international student, remember to do your research and understand your working rights. If you are unsure you can check your visa details and conditions here.

Remember as an international student, you are entitled to the same workplace rights as all other Australians. This includes minimum wage that is set based on the work that you do, this can be checked via the Fair Work Ombudsman that provides free info to help you understand your working rights in Australia.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/minimum-wages and go to the Pay Calculator.

Whilst sometimes an employer might ask you to do an unpaid trial to help evaluate if you are suitable for a role this should only be for a supervised hour or shift depending on the role requirements. Remember lengthy unpaid work trials are unlawful and you can learn more about your rights regarding unpaid trials here

14 ways to make a good impression at interview in Australia

1. Have the inside scoop
2. Review the job ad again
3. Be on time – punctuality is important!
4. Make sure your phone is off and out of sight
5. Dress to impress 
6. Be confident and be aware of your body language
7. Speak clearly, listen and answer questions with clarity
8. Take a big breath
9. Have a good handshake
10. Smile
11. Be enthusiastic
12. Share a story or two
13. Follow up
14. Know your working rights in Australia

Be prepared, positive and good luck!