Top Interview Tips

Whether you are an student navigating a new job market, finding your first job in Australia or pivoting to a new career after your studies, the interview process can feel like a high-stakes performance. But here’s the secret: great interviews aren’t born from luck; they are built through preparation.

Based on expert insights, here is your roadmap to acing the interview and landing that role.

1. The Pre-Game: Setting the Stage

You can’t overprepare for an interview. For students balancing studies and life, it is tempting to wing it, but the data says otherwise:

• Invest the time: Aim for at least 4-8 hours of preparation per interview.

• Audit your performance: Practice by recording yourself on Zoom or conducting mock interviews with friends.

  
  

• Strategic scheduling: If possible, choose a morning interview slot; the first slots are often the best.

  
  

• Know your audience: Research your interviewers beforehand so you know exactly who you are talking to.

  
  

• Focus on the "Big Two": Every question is designed to find out two things: Will you do the job? And are you the right fit?.

  
  

2. The First 90 Seconds

First impressions happen fast—usually within the first 90 seconds. To make an immediate impact:

• Smile: It provides a dopamine hit for both you and the interview hosts.

  
  

• Check your posture: Try a "power pose" before you walk in to increase testosterone and reduce cortisol (the stress hormone).

  
  

• Stay positive: Maintain an enthusiastic and positive attitude throughout the session.

  
  

3. Mastering the Conversation

An interview should feel like a dialogue, not an interrogation. Use these techniques to stay in control:

• The "Yes" Start: Begin answers by repeating the question. For example, "Yes, I can... I do have an example of a project I worked on".

  
  

• Personal Value Proposition (PVP): Lead with your PVP to immediately establish your worth.

  
  

• Keep it punchy: Keep your answers between 20 seconds and 2 minutes.

  
  

• Show, don't just tell: When discussing soft skills, use the connector phrase "as shown by..." to provide evidence.

  
  

• Chunk it down: Use "chunking down" to keep your answers conversational and relevant to the specific role.

  
  

• Manage the pace: Don’t be afraid to slow down, take a sip of water, or ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you need a moment.

  
  

4. Closing the Deal

How you leave is just as important as how you enter.

• Be Prepared: Always have questions ready and feel free to take notes during the session.

  
  

• Ask for the next steps: Before leaving, ask what the next steps in the process are.

  
  

• Reinforce interest: Thank them for their time and explicitly state your interest in the role.

  
  

5. The Post-Interview Review

Your work isn't done when you leave the room. Reflection is where the real learning happens.

• Review your performance: Reflect on what questions were asked, what went well, and what you could improve for next time.

  
  

• The Digital Follow-up: Send LinkedIn invites and thank-you emails (or InMails) to all your interviewers shortly after the meeting.

Disclaimer: Original ideas, concepts and checklist created by Sean Croon. Article written by Sean Croon with help of AI.