What Are Your Best Tips for Job Interview/Application?

LSuperdawg306 on 06/10/2015 - 19:47

Hi guys,

This is my first ever post on ozbargain. I was struggling looking for a new job, specifically in the fields of Marketing or Accounting, since I have academic degrees in these fields. My main problem is possibly the interview, I am always able to gain face-to-face interviews after phone conversations with the H.R, and that is exactly where I usually fail at. I have been researching for interview techniques and tips online or from experienced people, but somehow they didnt work for me for some reasons. Is it that hard to get a junior position nowadays, or is it something that I lack of? Anyway, I would love to hear from you guys. Being a young graduate without a job is depressing, especially when my friends are all working in their respected fields.

Education & Work

Comments

  • apptrack on 06/10/2015 - 20:02
    +1

    I would always prepare for the interview with generic questions they usually ask so they can roll off your tongue. Also dress in a suit (tie and all). Dress to impress.

    Have a look at the site below.

    Seems to be down (http://catherinescareercorner.com/2012/12/23/smash-the-inter…)

    So use the Google cache below.

    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:7LV6Gzp…

  • sparkles on 06/10/2015 - 20:31
    +1

    Landing that first "proper" job out of uni can be hard, especially if your marks aren't amazing. Once you have experience and references your marks become somewhat irrelevant. Have you tried submitting your resume to recruitment agencies looking for temp or entry level roles? A temp role can be a step in the door, a chance to see what you like (and what you don't) and an opportunity to gain contacts, referees, and be present if a role becomes available.

    • Superdawg306 on 06/10/2015 - 21:02

      Which agencies would you recommend? I don't mind forking out some money, as long as it could land me a proper job.

      I have done some internships between uni courses. Although they are quite short (3 months programs) and mostly related to Marketing area. According to the H.R reps, that was why they were interested in my application enough to give me an interview. But then things went down from there for some reasons (probably me).

      • sparkles on 07/10/2015 - 09:10
        +1

        You don't fork out money to them directly, but they will take a commission on your salary, which you won't actually see, it's built into the rates the agencies charge your employer. Start by looking at some of the large ones like Hays. Look at the jobs on Seek in the areas you want to work, the agencies will be listed. For example if I was looking for Accounting jobs in Melbourne I would start with Hays, Page Personnel etc. A lot of jobs get filled by candidates the agencies already have on file before they even become advertised.

  • plmko on 06/10/2015 - 20:33
    +1

    Have some sort of interesting hobby/adventure/volunteer/side-job type story ready that you can shoe horn organisation/business topics. They can distract the interviewer for a big chunk of time and give you the edge to stand out from crowd.

    If you can't think of anything, then that's why you aren't being hired, being from a decent uni with decent grade is not enough.

  • cypher67 on 06/10/2015 - 20:36

    Hope this helps
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4rSZP0nNCc

  • try2bhelpful on 06/10/2015 - 21:04
    +1

    I've found this website quite interesting.

    http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/articles.htm

    The basic theory is don't just go for any job, work out what you want to do and then research companies that cover those areas. You then need to do as much background work you can on these companies and, preferably, find someone you can talk to in the relevant part of the company to get yourself an edge in. If you are already able to get interviews then you are getting past the enemy, which is HR.

    When you get to the interview your concentration should be on showing the company how you will improve their bottom line. Ask them for some real life scenarios where they currently have challenges and give them ideas on how you would approach the problem. Take the initiative and back yourself.

    Make yourself personable and eager to work with the interviewers; they love to see someone who shows initiative and confidence. When I got out of my Digital Technology degree I was offered 7 different jobs, but I went with what I was interested in and was my strength. Even if you can't get a paid job initially see if there is volunteer work you can use your skills with; it gives you experience you can talk about and shows you have initiative and care.

    Once you do get a job make sure you are the one who is seen as a good collaborator and always working on improvements. Your reputation is the single biggest asset you have.

    Best of luck with the search.

  • LanaH on 06/10/2015 - 21:09
    +3

    Try to get an internship in this field first, it really, really helps!
    Also, ask older and well-respected people to be your referees.

    During the interview don't hesitate to ask many questions - about the company, it's structure, its goals etc. Do your research and and see what media say about the company, and then mention it to your interviewer . This way you'll show that you are well prepared and genuinely interested in working with them

    • Mr BoMBAStiG on 07/10/2015 - 00:06

      On point. The final question you get asked is the most important. When they ask if you have any questions, it's crucial you ask some well informed questions about the company, their future and the role you will play in that. Having an applicant that knows about our organisation and how you are interested in helping in overcoming our challenges is a big yes.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2015 - 21:11
    +1

    The Mrs does a mental rehearsal of the interview before she actually goes for it. She says it helps calm her nerves.

  • mariosensei on 06/10/2015 - 21:25
    +1

    Show confidence, be friendly and don't go in with a mentality that you are there to learn. Companies do not pay someone to go there and learn. Research about the company about their latest projects and if possible mention how you can contribute. Show interest in their organisation and make the conversation two way by asking questions. Try to relate your answers to some achievement of yours, doesn't have to be work related. If you can ask a question that they cannot answer, then they'll remember you. Good luck.

  • altomic on 06/10/2015 - 21:28
    +2

    my wife wife used to be a nurse. She went for a job interview for a position she wasn't really interested in. went to the interview and didn't give her "best performance" as she wasn't that keen. a few days later they offered her the job because they liked her straight forwardness and that she wasn't over enthusiastic or trying to sell herself too hard.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2015 - 21:38

      my wife wife used to be a nurse.

      O.o

  • robotdad on 07/10/2015 - 07:54

    Check out manager tools. Effective and actionable. https://www.manager-tools.com/2005/10/your-resume-stinks

  • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2015 - 10:20

    Yes, junior positions are hard to get, there is much competition, most people have quite a hard time getting their first job as a graduate.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join