Interview
Interview Preparation
- Consult your Supervisor so they are aware.
- Review the Position Description (PD), make notes to link back your experiences, qualifications and achievements to the role.
- Great tool – bring a notebook to the interview. Draft key content, dot points/answers you wish to mention.
- Print out selection criteria responses and CV. In addition, collate work examples (if relevant) to discuss.
- Prepare questions for the Panel. For example, how does the team divide up the day to day work? What are some of the challenges this role faces?
- Consider some technical or behavioural questions the Panel may ask, and brainstorm responses. For example, what can you bring to the role? How can you value add? What interests you about the role?
Pre Interview Logistcis
- Research - are you familiar with the Faculty/Institute area and or the team?
- Logistics of the day – do you know where you’re meeting and how to get there?
- Arrange any appropriate IT support (Zoom) to participate in the interview (if required)?
- Advise the Panel if they need to provide any support for you on the day (e.g. onsite disability parking).
- Consider your dress for the interview – you are your own brand ambassador.
- Optional – check the Panel’s online presence (i.e. Linked In, Google search) to be familiar with their research work.
- Touch base with your referee’s about the interview and role.
Day of the Interview
- You interview starts from the moment you arrive in the building.
- Dress professionally.
- Warm welcome – introduce yourself. It’s okay to feel nervous, sometimes the Panel are too!
- Remember, you have been selected for today based on merit and you are prepared.
- Pause. And breathe.
- If unsure of any of the Panel members name, please check the pronunciation.
During the Interview
- Ensure good body language and eye contact.
- When the Panel ask questions (motivational, situational and hypothetical), respond as best as you can in a clear and concise way. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is preferred.
- If you are unsure of a question, ask for further clarification.
- Read the room. If the Panel appear unsure, ask “does that answer your question or would you like further information”?
- Be conscious of time.
- Ask your questions.
- Thank the Panel for their time.
Follow up on the Interview
- After the interview, take some time to reflect on the experience. What went well? How did you feel in the room? What questions were tough and how could you improve for next time? Discuss the experience and unpack the process with a trusted colleague or mentor.
- Prepare yourself for the follow up phone call from the Hiring Manager regarding the outcome of the interview
- If successful, know your notice period and clarify any terms of employment, including start date.
- If unsuccessful, consider how you will receive this news? Remembering you are your own brand ambassador and remain professional.
- Solicit feedback – both constructive and positive. This insight will help you in future interviews or direct you towards future learning opportunities to reapply in the future
- If unsuccsessful, set learning goal(s) and consult your direct manager for their support with this process. Can you enrol in training or have access to mentoring or project work to gain more experience?
- Reapply! Try not to lose confidence and use the interview experience as a learning opportunity.
Online Resources
- Access your LinkedIn Learning profile to view quality presentations from career coaches and experts.
- Search using key words – panel interview, interview preparation – it’s all free and available through your UQ profile. See the LinkedIn presentation for more information in setting up your profile.
View the link for more helpful tips for Interview Preparation: Top Interview Tips: Common Questions, Nonverbal Communication & More | Indeed