Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve looked at how to write a captivating cover letter and craft a compelling resume. As a result, you’ve submitted a winning application and have secured yourself an interview. Well done, you! The employer was impressed enough with your skills and abilities on paper that they would like to meet you to further explore your suitability for the role. Securing an interview is the best opportunity you’ve got to sell yourself as the best applicant for the position, so be confident – now is your chance to really shine!

Preparation is key. In the lead-up to the interview, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you front up on the day with the confidence you need to blow the other candidates away. Here’s how:

Do your research
As soon as you know you’ve scored an interview, learn as much as you can about the organisation. Ensure you have reviewed their website and understand their values, core business, recent major projects and their strategic direction.

Understand the role
Review the key responsibilities and expectations around the role. You could talk to people who are doing the same job in a different organisation to see what it’s like. This can help you prepare responses to questions they may ask. It can also help you formulate some questions you may want to ask; most interviews end with them asking if you have any questions for them.

Get organised
If it’s an in-person interview, know ahead of time where you have to go, how long it’s going to take you to get there, what you need to bring with you and what the expectation is around attire. If it’s not stipulated that you’re to wear ‘corporate attire’ or ‘smart casual attire’, err on the side of caution and go with the corporate attire look.

If you’re having a virtual interview, remember you still need to look professional, at least from the waist up! And be sure you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted on the day.

Prepare yourself!
Know your skills and abilities. Be able to speak in more detail on any points you’ve made in your cover letter or resume. If you said in your professional profile that you have an eye for detail, be prepared if they ask you to give them some examples of this skill.

A final tip
If you know who will be interviewing you, review their LinkedIn profile ahead of time. They may be a Curtin alumni, or share a similar passion in the stock exchange. After all, knowledge is power, and things in common may win you some brownie points!

You’re off to a great start in securing that position. In our next post, we’ll take a deep dive in what to do during and after the interview to give you the best chance of success.