An interview is part of the selection process, where the employer further assesses your abilities and experience, or how your resume matches your presentation. If you have reached the interview stage, it means the employer liked your resume and now will focus on whether you match the team culture and are a good fit for the role. Acting confident is important – and preparation and practice are the key.

Before your interview:

  • research the company website
  • review your application
  • read up on common interview questions
  • talk to people you already know, placement contacts or teachers
  • be prepared to explain your key strengths and how you add value
  • read through the selection criteria and practice answering with interesting examples
  • prepare some questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview.

When you are in the interview, be ready to give examples of your skills and experience in dealing with a situation, task or problem. The STAR approach can really help:

S - Situation. Describe the situation that you found yourself in.
T - Task. Describe the task that you had to perform in that situation
A - Action. Describe the action that you took
R - Result. Describe the successful result of your action.

Here is an example.

Interviewer: Are you a good team player?
Interviewee: I was working at a wedding function [SITUATION] waiting on tables [TASK] and when I finished getting the meals out in my section, I noticed my colleague needed extra help in her section, so I went across and helped there [ACTION]. This meant that the guests were all served much quicker [RESULT].

What not to do in an interview:

  • Speak negatively about management or others you work or study with.
  • Complain about looking for work or how many interviews you’ve had.
  • Raise any previous legal issues or personal conflicts.
  • Discuss politics, religion, race or marital status.
  • Talk about personal issues or problems.
  • Express anger over past jobs.
  • Chew gum or eat anything during the interview.
  • Don’t be evasive or lie.

Inappropriate questions

The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC), states that an employer can’t discriminate against you for your:

  • race
  • physical, intellectual or psychological disability
  • sex
  • marital status
  • parental status
  • religious or political beliefs.

Equity and disability

Deciding whether to discuss a disability or medical condition with a potential employer is complex and not always straightforward. Sharing details of your condition may not be required but if it will impact your work performance or pose a work health and safety risk, then you need to decide if sharing is appropriate. Ultimately, it is a personal choice.

If you have a disability or medical condition and need support and guidance, please contact our Disability Liaison team: 1300 244 746 (option 4) or disability@chisholm.edu.au.

Useful websites:

https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/job-interviews

https://whatsnext.dese.gov.au/get-your-next-job/applying-job

https://www.jobjumpstart.gov.au/article/preparing-answers-common-job-interview-questions.