Search Jobs

Interview Tips

The interview process can be a nerve racking experience. Often candidates are unsure of the process, details of the role or expectations of the prospective employer. At Bright Spark, we will guide you through this process to give you a better understanding of the role and organisation you will meet. Some specific tips which will assist you include:

Research

We will discuss with you details the role and company, however doing your own research is vital for what will hopefully be an enjoyable and productive interview. Look on the company’s website. Read the website in its entirety! Understand their business and it’s values and what they are trying to achieve. Research the company owners and the people you will interview with. Ask your recruitment consultant who the key decision maker is and who you will directly report to in the role. Look on linkedin for further detail on their background. Google company information. All of this will give you a clearer understanding on how your skills and experience will add value to the employer, and how they will add value to your professional development and career.

Is an absolute necessity throughout the interview process. Employers will generally view a candidate who arrives late in a negative light. Make sure you are certain of the interview location and map the address the night before your interview. Ensure you know exactly how you will get there, and how long it will take at that particular time of day.

Ensure you are dressed appropriately for interview and present in a tidy fashion. Generally speaking, corporate or business wear is appropriate attire for interviews within the Adult Education and Training Sector.

Breaking the Ice

Make an effort to make some “small talk” and build rapport when you meet your prospective employer. It can make a big difference in setting the tone for the interview.

Exhibit Bright Spark Traits

Intelligence, energy and enthusiasm are key when attempting to instill confidence in the prospective employer that you have the ability and motivation to overperform in you role. Intelligence is not just exhibited by a list of qualifications. Often, it’s your ability to demonstrate that you are a “problem solver” or “lateral thinker” is what will achieve this. Have a list of specific achievements in mind from previous roles that you can give to exemplify this. Accurate figures such as a certain number of enrolments processed per month or revenue generated per year are such examples. Make sure you can speak in detail about how you were able to achieve those outcomes. What process you followed, or what new process you implemented that enabled you to attain those results. Identify weaknesses, however think of them as areas of improvement, and you will usually be able to find skills that transfer to the perceived weakness. Think of examples when you have gone above and beyond your regular job description to demonstrate drive and teamwork.

Ask Questions

Prepare a list of questions that relates to the role, the company direction, management and owners, their client base, culture within the company amongst others. Often you will have researched and discovered answers to some of these already which means that not only is your questioning part of the exploratory process for you, it will often demonstrate knowledge and research and lead to a fluid conversation/interview. Remember you have to feel comfortable that the role is the right role for you, as much as the employer thinks that you are the right person for the role.

“Closing” the Interview

Thank the interviewers for their time. Make sure that in a professional way you find out next steps in the hiring process, gauge your suitability for the role and re-iterate your interest in the role. Ask a closed question such as ”Is there anything else you need from me before making a decision on hiring role?”