Interviews
Tips & Advice for Interviews
TOP TIPS
Research the position and the company
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Learn about what the organisation does and how they do it - tailor your responses to their goals
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Look through the job description - have one example ready of how you meet each of the criteria as this is a likely indicator of what you may be asked
Be professional
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Greet the interviewer(s)
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Make sure to smile, be friendly!
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Have good posture and try not to fiddle or fidget in your seat
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Speak clearly and coherently - don't rush what you are saying
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If you need the question to be repeated, just ask!
Relax​
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Be confident - try not to be too nervous
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It is normal to feel nervous discussing your criminal history. However, if it is brought up, take responsibility for your mistakes and focus on valuable skills and experiences you gained during incarceration. Emphasise your commitment to becoming a contributing member of society again
Look Presentable
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First impressions count!
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What you wear will depend on the position you apply for - a business suit will be expected for an office role, but not for a construction worker - just make sure to look smart and ready to work
Practice
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Practise typical questions which may be asked, both general interview questions and those relating to the role itself
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Use examples - don't just say you have a specific skill, explain how they can see you have it (use the STAR technique)
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Think of a few thoughtful questions you may want to ask the interviewer at the end, showing you are interested in the position. For example, you can ask about the work environment, or how a typical day looks like for someone in your desired position
TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
There are 3 main types of interview questions: situational, competency and behavioural.
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It is important to be able to distinguish each to be able to answer any question in the format expected.
Situational
What would you do in a hypothetical situation?
These questions are asked to give you an opportunity to display your approach to a specific situation so the interviewer can determine whether this is how they would want you to.
Example 1:
"You know a colleague has made a mistake at work. What do you do?"
The interviewer is looking for you to take responsibility rather than passing it on to someone else. For this question, show you can take ownership of a situation and find a solution calmly and productively.
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An answer may include:
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assessing the situation
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following internal protocols
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talking to the individual themselves
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seeking advice from a superior if you are unable to resolve the situation
Example 2:
"Describe a mistake you have made at work?"
The interviewer is looking for you to admit you make mistakes - everyone does. They want to see evidence of your capacity to reflect on and learn from errors.
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An answer may include:
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what mistakes have you made? (e.g. missed deadlines)
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what did you do to resolve the situation?
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what have you done since to make sure it does not happen again?
Competency
are you able to do the job properly?
These questions are asked to test whether you have the attributes, knowledge and behaviours required to be successful in the role.
Example 1:
"Tell me about a time when you were required to use your creativity to solve a problem."
The interviewer is looking for responses revolving around creativity to see how you can come up with a new solution to a problem quickly and think on your feet.
Example 2:
"Tell me about a time when you supported a colleague who was struggling."
The interviewer is looking for responses which involve a time you helped others using empathy and teamwork skills whilst maintaining your workload.
Behavioural
How would you behave
in certain situations?
These questions are asked to assess your character through looking at how you have approached challenging situations in the past to determine how you would do so again if successful.
Example 1:
"Give an example of something you tried in your job that did not work. How did you learn from it?"
The interviewer is asking you to demonstrate a willingness to learn whilst not giving up after something does not work. Also, they are looking at what you learnt from the experience itself.
Example 2:
"Tell me about a time you knew you were right, but still had to follow directions or guidelines."
The interviewer is looking for you to show you are a team player who takes into account other people's views and perspectives.