Preparing for and attending interviews is a very important part of getting a job. Being prepared means you will feel more confident about going into an interview.
Attending job interviews can be a daunting task. The following information provides tips and advice on preparing for and attending interviews:
Our interactive checklist will help you assess your performance or readiness to attend an interview:
Preparing for your interview
Role playing is a great way to practice how you will respond to common interview questions. Practice how you will answer any questions by role playing with a friend or your employment service provider.
During an interview you are likely to be asked common questions about why you should be chosen for the job. Prepare an answer to possible questions by thinking about how you see the job, what the job needs and how your skills, abilities and qualities will meet those needs.
Don't forget that you can ask questions during an interview, so take time to find out about the job you are being interviewed for and the organisation. Show that you are really interested in the job!
Before your interview, try to find out as much as you can about the job, such as:
- what tasks you would be performing in the job
- your rights and responsibilities
- information about the organisation and its policies and procedures in relation to employing people with disability
- how your disability might impact on the requirements of the job.
If your disability may have an impact on how you complete the essential requirements of the job, then you may also need to think about:
- any workplace modifications that may help you to do the job and how you can access those modifications
- ways to redesign the job in order to meet the requirements of the job, for example, if you need more frequent breaks and the role is not time-sensitive, you might discuss ways to arrange breaks at appropriate intervals.
There is help available to your employer for the cost of workplace adjustments and modifications that might be required to help you do a job. You might like to let your employer know about the Workplace Modifications Scheme. You can print a fact sheet for your employer before the interview:
How to explain gaps in your employment history
If you have gaps in your employment history, here are some ways you can respond to questions about this:
- note any study, volunteer work or other activities you completed during this period
- emphasise your keenness to work
- describe your future career goals and how the job fits into this path.
The following guide provides more advice if you have an episodic work history due to mental illness:
Plan your travel to the interview
It’s a good idea to plan your trip to the interview well in advance. Do a practice run so you know where you are going and how long it will take you. Make sure you allow time for traffic and transport delays.
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, so that you have some time to collect yourself and compose your thoughts. Arriving early also shows the employer that you are keen.
To plan your trip using public transport, visit the following web sites (note that these links will take you to an external web site in a new window):
Attending the interview
Interviews provide employers with an opportunity to find out about you and what you know. They may involve one interviewer or several people, known as a panel interview.
Being a bit nervous at an interview is normal so do your best to appear calm, friendly and confident and consider the following tips:
- an interview starts from the first moment of contact so be aware of ‘small talk’
- when arriving at an interview, introduce yourself
- shake hands with the interviewer or each panel member when you enter the room
- if you are asked a questions that you are not sure about, ask the interviewer to explain or clarify the question as this shows that you are not afraid to ask questions to get things right
- if you are not sure of how to answer a question, take a moment to think about it—pausing is perfectly OK and shows you don’t panic under pressure
- be sure in your responses and avoid using 'I might' or 'I guess'
- when the interview is over, thank the interviewers for their time and shake hands again.
Even if you think the interview has been a disaster, be polite as it may not have been as bad as you think! If you miss out on one job, the employer could still be thinking of you for another more suitable position in the future.
After the interview
After the interview you should think about how you went at the interview, make some notes about what happened and think about how you can improve. For example, perhaps you were asked a really tough question and want to have an answer ready if you are asked that question again.
Ask your interviewer for feedback, if you don't get the job. Ask what you could improve on, as well as if they thought your work skills and experience were lacking in any area. This will help you with future interviews.
Need help?
The JobAccess Advisers can help you with free, confidential advice. Contact them on 1800 464 800 or online: