MAKING A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Panel interviews Panel interviews typically involve anywhere from three to eight interviewers – usually three for graduate interviews. They’ll likely consist of a mix of HR personnel, business managers and some departmental specialists. Even if they’re held on video, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security! They tend to be more rigorous and meticulous than individual interviews as you’ll be juggling questions from multiple sources. Although this may sound intimidating, there’s no need to fret. The interviewers are out to find out the same thing as at any other interview: whether you’re a good fit for the company! Interview tips
• Address the interviewers by name when speaking to them. If your interview is taking place face-to-face, one little trick is to get their name cards at the beginning of the session, and then arrange them in front of you according to the interviewers’ sitting arrangement • Stay calm if one of the interviewers looks bored. Given their different backgrounds, not every member on the panel may be interested in your response to a question asked • You’ll sometimes be asked the same question twice by mistake. Don’t second-guess yourself, and always keep to the same version of your story
• Maintain direct eye contact with the interviewers. If your interview is taking place in-person, answer them while making eye contact. If it’s over video, talk to the camera instead of the video feed on-screen
Phone interviews A phone interview is often a screening exercise where employers check some basic information prior to a face-to-face or virtual interview. It’s also used to sieve through suitable candidates early in the recruitment process. The relative anonymity of a phone interview may allow you to speak to your interviewer without the stress of travelling to an unfamiliar place in professional attire, but avoid letting your guard down!
• Take note of the keywords of the questions asked for reference when responding to your interviewer • Don’t be distracted by your surroundings or lose track of what you want to say next. Avoid filler words such as “umm” and “uh-huh” or constant requests to repeat the questions
Interview tips
• Have your resume and completed application form next to you in case you need to refer to them during the phone interview
• Much of the impact you make will come through your voice, so sounding attentive and enthusiastic is important
• Choose a conducive, quiet environment for the phone appointment to prevent background noise from ruining your session
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