Be prepared for any questions thrown in your direction when it comes to interviewing.
Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if you need help figuring out what to expect. From researching the company to practising your responses to common questions, here are some tips to help you prepare for your next job interview in Australia.
During interviews, employers look for skills required to succeed in the role. This includes both technical/hard and soft skills. An increasing amount of published articles focus on how employers are starting to put more weight on the candidate's soft skills – and those are significant.
However, demonstrating your technical skills in an interview should not be overlooked.
Our trusted partner Readygrad - a leading internship provider in Australia with thousands of host company partners - stated that host companies indicate that graduates should remember how essential technical skills still are.
The tips below will help you prepare to discuss the required technical skills in an interview.
Review theories and concepts learnt during your studies. As a degree-qualified candidate, companies expect you to have at least basic theoretical skills in your field of study.
As an accounting student, you should be able to discuss your knowledge in profit and loss, financial statements, general ledger and journal entries. As an IT graduate, you must know specific programming languages, network security, database management or software testing, depending on your background and interests.
TIP: Go through your transcripts to review all the subjects you have learnt during your studies.
Know your resume
Your resume often guides an interview. The interviewer will often ask questions based on your background and skills listed on your resume.
For example, you have listed HTML programming languages as one of your skills on your resume. In that case, you will need to provide details on where/how you acquired this skill, your skill level and an example of a time you developed a website using HTML.
TIP: Think about your university assignments and projects and provide a practical example using the STAR concept where you provide details on the Situation, Task, Actions and Result.
Understand the position you are interviewing for
Review the position requirements carefully and be sure to address the selection criteria during the interview. For example, suppose the company seeks someone involved in accounts payable and receivable duties. In that case, you should research the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable, what ledger items are affected, and which are debited and credited.
TIP: Besides reviewing your studies, researching job advertisements on sites such as SEEK can give you a good understanding of what specific roles entail.
Avoid gaps in your knowledge
If you are applying and interviewing for a programming position but have not coded for over six months since you graduated, it is time for a refresher. It is important to constantly practise and self-study to keep your skills sharp and stay up to date with the changes in the market.
New changes are often introduced to legislation and laws in the accounting industry. Attending Chartered Public Accountants (CPA) or Chartered Accountants (CA) events or subscribing to their newsletter online is a great way to keep up to date with any industry changes. Continually developing your accounting software and MS Excel skills should also be a priority for any graduate.
TIP: Be proactive in your professional development – taking the initiative is one of the critical attributes all employers value!
Overall, technical questions are essential to the interview process and can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills as a potential employee. By researching the company beforehand, practising answers to common questions, being prepared for any curveballs that come your way and giving yourself plenty of time to prepare ahead of the interview day itself - you will be sure to ace any technical question! With these tips, you should feel confident entering any job interview, knowing you have done all you can to succeed.
Best wishes on your next job search!
FAQs
How long do job interviews go for?
The length of a job interview can vary depending on the company and the position, but most interviews typically last between 30 minutes to an hour. However, some interviews can last longer, especially if there are multiple rounds or the interviewer wants to conduct a more in-depth assessment of the candidate's skills and qualifications.
How many interviews are required before getting a job?
There is no set number of interviews that guarantees a job offer. It varies depending on the company and the position. Some companies may only require one or two interviews, while others may have a more extensive interview process with multiple rounds. It's essential to stay patient and persistent throughout the process.
What to wear for a job interview?
The answer to this question can vary depending on the industry and company culture. However, in general, it's best to dress professionally and conservatively. This means wearing a suit or dress pants/skirt with a blouse or button-down shirt. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or revealing. It's also essential to make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
Who conducts job interviews?
Job interviews are typically conducted by the hiring manager or a member of the HR team. Sometimes, multiple people may be involved in the interview process, such as a panel interview with several managers or team members. It ultimately depends on the company's hiring process and structure.
How do job interviews work?
Job interviews typically involve meeting with one or more representatives from the company you are applying to. They will ask you about your qualifications, experience, and skills, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the company and the position. It is vital to prepare for the interview by researching the company, practising your responses to common interview questions, and dressing professionally.
Attributed Author
Julian Te
Julian is an accomplished marketing professional with years of experience in the Training and Education sector. His advanced knowledge and understanding of modern marketing have made him an invaluable asset to his field. He is driven by a passion for helping early-career professionals find their place in the world and helping them achieve their goals. With a Master's in Advanced Marketing, Julian guides students with expertise and dedication, providing them with the necessary resources to make their dreams come true.
