Job Interviews
New Zealand Job Interviews
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking so do your best to stay calm and keep breathing, while impressing your interviewer and pulling out all the stops to get a great job offer. Read on for information and advice on having a successful New Zealand job interview.
There is no single key to a successful job interview, but there are ways you can significantly improve your chances of landing a dream job in New Zealand. An ace interview is more than creating a good first impression and showing that you have the skills for the role; it's not simply what you say, but how you say it. Follow these tips to be the best interview candidate and receive New Zealand job offers:
1. Prepare yourself
Being prepared means you will feel comfortable and be ready to answer any questions the employer may throw at you:
- Before the interview, learn about the organisation. Visit their website and learn about the services or products they offer, their work culture and their employees. What makes you want to be part of this organisation?
- Try to find out whether the interview will be focused on your own experience (usually working through the work experience listed on your CV) or skills based (questions related to the skills you will need for the job and how you have demonstrated these abilities in the past).
- Think about possible questions – and your answers!
- Read the job description and think about the skills required for the role, then consider your own skills. Make a list of the skills you have, how you gained them and how you can apply them in the position you are going for. Go over this list so you're ready to talk about your talents and strengths.
2. Be organised
Remember the practicalities of the interview: be certain of the interview location and how you'll get there. Make sure you arrive five or ten minutes before the start time and ensure you have copies of your CV, written references, qualifications and any other documents needed for your NZ job application.
3. Get off to a good start
A positive beginning will set a good tone for the whole interview:
- Smile, shake hands, make eye contact and greet the interviewer(s) by name.
- Create a good first impression with some informal, friendly chat. This is your chance to form a rapport with the interviewer, but try to strike a balance between the informal and formal aspects of the interview.
- Be friendly and courteous to all those you interact with at the organisation.
- Try not to let your nerves get the better of you. Remember that everyone is human, so your interviewers have been where you are now. Sit in a comfortable way, look confident (even if you don’t feel it!) and smile.
4. Use positive body language
The way you behave and the body language you convey can be vital in creating a good impression, so keep your posture upright and comfortable (don't slump or sit on the edge of your chair); make eye contact; look attentive; and don't over-do hand gestures. Match your upbeat body language with varied and interested voice tone and active facial expressions which convey personality.
5. Dress for success
How you dress at the interview will make an impression on your interviewer.
- Dress to convey professionalism.
- Wear clean, ironed business clothing (it's best to err on the conservative side, even if this isn't how employees at the company dress on a daily basis).
- Make sure you're showered and well groomed.
6. Give your story a happy ending
So you've survived the interview! Make sure you end on a high note by thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your interest in the position. Leave the interviewer in no doubt as to your willingness to accept the job, if you are the chosen candidate. Check when you'll be contacted and make a follow-up call if you hear nothing, as this will show your enthusiasm and commitment.
Good luck!
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand jobs in the NZS.com directory.
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