An interview is a chance for the organisation to learn more about you and your experiences, as well as a chance for you to review the organisation particularly their business direction and strategy, the position they are wanting to fill, and how the position sits within the structure of the organisation, any training or possible advancement opportunities, and the culture and environment of teh organisation. Creating a good first impression in the interview is viatl to the success of your job search.

1. Prepare Yourself

Performing a search on the organsiation you are applying to is imperative - the more informed you are are about the organsation, the better you will fare in your interview. Every employer likes to know that any potential employee is well versed in their operations and history. Useful publications or web sites for reference material are:

• D&B Australia - Business Who's Who
• Google Search
• Kompass Australia
• Annual Company Reports

2. During the Interview

It is essential that you prepare possible answers to questions that you may be asked to demonstrate your competence, experience, knowledge and abilities. Make a list of all your past significant achievements - expand on the ones you have highlighted in your resume. Make sure you are concise and effective in your answers and explanations - describe the problems and/or actions in one or two sentences to clearly express the result or the benefit to the organisation. Listen to what the interviewer is asking, answer clearly and concisely, and if you are unsure of what is being asked of you, clarify with the interviewer what information he/she is seeking from you. If at any point you begin to have reservations about the position, do not show it - never shut out an opportunity, you never know what may come up in the future within the same organisation.

Remember, employers value loyalty and look for it in potential employees, so ensure you refrain from criticising a past or present employer.

    Prepare your Answers

It is wise to prepare your answers. Interviewers often like to open with the question "Tell me about yourself" which offers the perfect opportunity to give a short history of your career whilst ensuring  that it includes your strengths and suitability for the position. THis you can practice easily at home to get it down-pat so you are confident and thoroughly comfortable with your career history.

Some frequesntly asked questions by the employer are:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why did you leave your last position or why do you wish to leave your current position?
• What are your goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you know about this company?
• Why do you feel qualified for this job?
• What is your most significant/rewarding achievemnt to date?
• How would your boss describe your job performance?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Describe your ideal job
• How would you evaluate your present/last company?
• What do you think of your previous/current boss?
• If you had your chance of jobs and companies, where would you go?
• Describe what you feel to be an ideal woriking environment and an ideal boss?
• What was the toughest decision you ever had to make and what made it so difficult?
• What value can you add to the organisation?
• What hobbies/interest do you have?

    Ask Questions

Do ask questions of the employer - it shows an interest in the organisation and adds credibility to your application. People like to be recognised for their efforts and achievements and taking an interest in the history of the organisation is always a good starting point with any questions you may have. Following up with questions about the position and culture of the organisation is the next step.

Some suggested questions you can ask:  

• How has this position become available?
• What longer term advancement opportunities are here?
• What are the future plans of the organisation?
• What is the organisation's culture?
• How does the department integrate with the rest of the organisation?

    Psychometric Assessments

Some organisations require candidates to undergo a specific style of interview, skills assessment tests, and/or psychological profiling as part of their candidate assessment process. Following are examples of the assessments commonly used:

• Behavioural - determines the inherent traits an individual displays in a work or personal situation.
• Cognitive - measures the ability to retain, organise, and apply information in a work context.
• Values Inventory - measures personal values as against those of the organisation.
• Work Reliability - measures honesty and reliability in a work place.Emotional Intelligence (MSCEIT) - measures your ability to lead and manage a team.

3. After the Interview

Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview for the role. If you are asked about your continued interest, remain positive. Give yourself time to reflect and think about this position before giving too much away. Then establish what the next step will be bearing in mind that there may be a delay before the next stage.

If you are unsuccessful in getting the job, find out why - once you obtain feedback, you can integrate what you learn into your next interview.

Remember, don't get disheartened - practice makes perfect!