Top 10 job interview tips

When it comes to nailing your job interview, confidence is key. 

To help you feel prepared and confident, we’ve put together 10 simple job interview tips. These tips will guide you on how to understand the company, practice interview questions, and make a great first impression.

Tip #1: Understand the company.

Get to know the company so that you feel confident answering questions about them. Displaying your knowledge about a potential employer shows that you are a candidate who is interested  and wants to be a part of what they do. Here are some ways to do this:

• Look up their website: Start with the company’s official website. Check out their “About Us” page, vision statement, and recent news or blog posts. This will give you a good overview of what they do and what they value.
• Check their social media accounts: Follow the company on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. This can give you insights into their culture, recent projects, and how they interact with their audience and staff.
• Explore LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great resource for professional information. Look up the company’s LinkedIn page to see their latest updates, job postings, and employee profiles. You can also see if you have any connections who work there and reach out for insights.
• Use AI tools: In 2025, leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to gather insights about the company can give you an edge. These tools can help you find detailed information quickly and efficiently.

By doing this research, you’ll feel more prepared and confident during your interview. It shows the interviewer that you are serious about the job and have taken the time to understand the company.

Tip #2: Practice interview questions.

Practising interview questions is crucial for feeling prepared and relaxed during your interview. You can practice with friends, in front of a mirror, or by yourself. Here are 5 common interview questions to help you get started:

1. Tell me about yourself.
   This is often the first question in an interview. Prepare a brief summary of your background, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the job.
2. Why do you want to work here?
   Show that you’ve done your research on the company. Mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you and how your skills and goals align.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   Highlight your strengths that are relevant to the job. When discussing weaknesses, focus on areas you’re working to improve and how you’re doing so.
4. Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it.
   Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Explain the situation, your role, the actions you took, and the outcome. To learn more about the STAR method from SEEK here.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
   Share your career goals and how this job fits into your long-term plans. Show that you’re ambitious but also realistic.

Practising these questions will help you feel more confident and prepared for your interview. Remember to take your time answering and stay calm. Good luck!

Tip #3: Present yourself at your best!

Neat and tidy hair and clothing are noticed by employers. If you know the company culture and how they dress, it’s worth presenting yourself to suit this. First impressions matter, so dressing appropriately shows respect and professionalism. Additionally, pay attention to your grooming and overall appearance to ensure you look polished and confident.

Tip #4: Know how to get there.

Make sure you’ve got a plan in your mind so that you’re prepared and not nervous at the last minute that you’ve taken the wrong bus or train. With the rise of remote interviews, ensure your tech setup is flawless and your background is professional.

Tip #5: Arrive 15 minutes before your interview.

You want to get there and feel relaxed. Punctuality is noticed; you don’t ever want to be late! For virtual interviews, log in 10-15 minutes early to troubleshoot any technical issues.

Tip #6: Make sure your phone on silent, not vibrate but silent.

A phone buzzing throughout an interview is distracting and disruptive, not a good look. This applies to all devices, including smartwatches.

Tip #7: Show enthusiasm

Expressing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company can make a big difference. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and use positive body language. This shows the interviewer that you are excited about the opportunity and eager to contribute. Enthusiasm can be contagious and leave a lasting impression.

Tip #8: Ask questions.

Having a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview shows initiative. The interviewer will appreciate knowing that you’ve done some research and are curious about the company. Here are 5 example questions you can ask:

1. Can you tell me more about the day- to-day responsibilities of this job?
   This shows you’re interested in understanding what your role will entail.
2. How does the company support professional development and career growth?
   This question demonstrates that you’re looking to grow with the company.
3.  What are the expectations for this role in the first 6 months?
   Asking about expectations shows that you are eager to meet and exceed the company’s goals.
4.  Can you describe the company culture?
   This helps you understand if you’ll be a good fit for the team and the work environment.
5.  How does the team measure success?
   This question shows that you are interested in understanding how your performance will be evaluated.

These questions will help you gather important information and show the interviewer that you’re serious about the job.

Tip #9: Seek advice from mentors

Getting advice from mentors or professionals in your field can be incredibly valuable. They can provide insights based on their own experiences and offer guidance on how to handle different interview scenarios. You can also reach out to career counsellors or join professional networks to get tips and advice. This can help you feel more prepared and confident going into your interview.

Tip #10: Take your time answering questions.

Don’t rush it. Breathe, relax, and enjoy the process. This gives the interviewer a chance to get to know you, and that’s ultimately what you want to be doing. In 2025, mindfulness techniques are widely recommended to stay calm and focused.

Let us help you find a job

CVGT Employment can support you with career planning, training, job advice, meeting employers, job interviews and applications, and more. Visit  cvgt.com.au or call us on 132 848 to learn more about how our team can support you to find meaningful work.  

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