Interview Preparation: Notes and Takeaways Written by a Mindroom Student During the Event
In June, our Business Analysis student, Angelo Monteiro Gomes, had the privilege of attending a career-defining workshop at Mindroom Innovation. This interview preparation event was hosted by Experience Gold Coast and led by Sherrie Dunshea, a seasoned Career Educator and Coach.
In this post, Angelo will share his key takeaways from this informative interview preparation workshop:
With her extensive background in career guidance, outplacement, HR consulting, and facilitation, Sherrie provided invaluable insights tailored to empower VET students on their career paths. She focused specifically on enhancing interview skills. Let’s take a look at the details.
Understanding Interview Types and Preparation
One of the foundational elements of the workshop was understanding the various interview types used by employers and how to prepare for them effectively. Sherrie emphasised the importance of investigating what employers are looking for in a candidate. This includes researching the position and the company, understanding the organisation’s culture (such as dress code), and knowing what is required in the application. She also highlighted the importance of deciding whether it is worth investing time in applying and speaking to the contact person.
The Role of Body Language
Sherrie stressed that body language can significantly impact the success of an interview. Unconscious actions can convey disinterest or nervousness. To appear engaged and interested, it is crucial not to relax too much. Key statistics shared by Sherrie include:
- 67% of hiring managers cite lack of eye contact as the biggest mistake.
- 39% of interviewers are put off if a candidate fails to smile.
- 26% of applicants get rejected because they fidget too much.
- 21% of interviewers will reject candidates who give a weak handshake.
Additionally, she advised being mindful of social media presence, as candidates are likely to be googled by potential employers.
Techniques and Types of Interview Questions
Sherrie broke down three main types of interview questions:
- Behavioural Questions:
These questions focus on past behaviour, experiences, knowledge, and skills. Sherrie advised preparing examples from your resume to demonstrate your abilities.
- Situational Questions:
These questions assess responses to hypothetical situations and culture fit. It is important to show confidence and preparedness for the role.
- General Questions:
These questions explore strengths, skills, and motivations for applying. Candidates should be ready to discuss who they are, why they are applying, and demonstrate their skills and experiences. Volunteering or engaging in programs can help gain relevant experience.
The Power of Questioning
An impactful tactic highlighted by Sherrie is questioning the interviewer. This not only shows interest but also helps determine if the company is the right fit for you. Relevant questions include:
- Why has the position become available?
- What are the opportunities for career progression?
- What is the company culture like?
- How is success measured in the role?
- Who would I be working with and who do I report to?
- Do you enjoy working for this organisation?
Asking for feedback, even if not selected, can provide valuable insights for future interviews.
Closing the Interview
Sherrie provided practical tips for closing an interview effectively. Avoid asking about money or hours during the initial interview. Instead, follow up with a thank-you email, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the team and position.
The Secret to Success: Plan, Prepare, Perform
Sherrie’s ultimate advice for interview success revolves around meticulous preparation. This includes:
- Documenting every achievement and outcome on your resume.
- Knowing your stories and being able to articulate them.
- Being polite, showing a positive attitude, and smiling.
- Researching the company thoroughly.
- Finding support from mentors or career advisors.
For your resume, she recommended a simple format without columns to ensure it is readable by both humans and application tracking systems, using bullet points to make it easy to read.
In summary, the workshop provided a comprehensive guide to navigating the interview process with confidence and clarity. By attending similar workshops, students can enhance their skills and increase their chances of securing their desired roles.
Author: Business Analysis student – Angelo Monteiro Gomes
