Job Interview Tips From Gen Z
Preparing for an in-person or video interview? Here are a few tips that I found really helpful when preparing for mine.
Smile, let your bubbly personality come through
Make sure to research the company vision and cultural traits
Scott Williams book, Complete Questions and Answers to Address Selection Criteria in Government Job Interviews. The book details what answers they are trying to find when asking certain questions. It gives some really good ideas of what a good answer looks like.
If you make a statement, ie am a team player, follow it up with an example of how you worked in a team.
Prepare STAR examples (this is what they typically want for Australian Government interviews). If you have good examples that show you can demonstrate each of the skills listed out in the job ad. That way, when they ask you a question you didn’t prepare for, you can pick a relevant example and mould the answer to the question.
Employers are trying to work out do you have the skills for the job? Will you be a good cultural fit? And will you stay? So try and make sure your answers address one of the three questions.
Listen to the question, don't try to squish your preplanned response into your answer
Practice, practice, practice, film yourself and if it is a video interview time yourself to make sure you can respond within the time limit.
If it is a video interview still wear business attire and make sure you have a clean background.
Prepare for the commonly asked interview questions including
Tell us about yourself
Why do you think you are suitable for this role?
What motivated you to apply for this job?
Why this company?
Strengths and weakness
What qualities do you think are needed to be successful in this field?
How do you deal with a difficult client/situation?
Give us an example of success
Tell us a time you failed and how did you handle it?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Most importantly prepare examples showing how you demonstrate each of the job requirements. That way, when they ask you a question you didn’t prepare for, you can pick a relevant example and mould the answer to the question.