• Services
• Accommodation: on-campus
• Accommodation: off-campus
• Bookshop
• Careers and employment
• Chaplains
• Childcare
• Complaints
• Counselling and personal development
• Deakin Card
• Disability resource centre
• Food services
• Financial assistance
• Health Services
• Jobshop
• Parking
• Student equity
• Study skills

Quick interview tips

To gain a quick overview of what you should and should not be doing, check out the suggestions below.

1. Relax: Try to relax and stay calm. Think positive thoughts and visualise yourself in the interview. Take slow deep breaths before you go into the interview.
2. Be spontaneous: The better prepared you are the easier it is to appear spontaneous. Be yourself; be as honest as you can be and engage in conversation with the interviewer.
3. Set goals for the interview: It is up to you to leave the interview feeling secure that the interviewer knows as much as he or she possibly can about your skills, abilities, experience and achievements.
4. Know the question behind the question: Try to identify the type of question being asked and what in particular the interviewer is trying to elicit from the question. If you can identify what the interviewer wants to hear, you can answer the question more effectively.
5. Nonverbal clues: Watch out for your body language, maintain good eye contact, show interest and enthusiasm and speak with a well-modulated voice.
6. Sell yourself: Do not rely on your application document and résumé to sell yourself. You must back up this information by giving examples that enhance your written application.
7. Ask questions: By asking the employer questions, you show that you have done your research and that you are interested in the organisation. Not having prepared questions demonstrates a lack of preparation and a lack of interest in the position.
8. Your appearance: Your appearance is very important and forms part of the first impressions an interviewer will have of you. Wear clothes that constitute a smart version of the items usually worn by people in the role for which you have applied.
9. Check the venue: Have a practice run checking where the interview will take place and how long it takes to get there. On the actual day give yourself plenty of time and arrive early.
10. Follow up: After the interview send a thank you letter and request feedback regarding your performance in the interview.

Do:

• Do practise your interview performance and have a practice trip to the interview location.
• Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be experiencing.
• Do dress appropriately.
• Do make a good first impression, even before you go into the interview.
• Do greet the interviewer in a confident and professional manner.
• Do demonstrate positive body language.
• Do show enthusiasm for the position and the organisation.
• Do highlight your strengths.
• Do show how you can benefit the organisation.
• Do ask intelligent questions about the position or the organisation.
• Do close the interview on a positive note reaffirming your interest in the position.
• Do write thank you letters and request feedback

Don't:

• Don’t arrive late for the interview
• Don’t look scruffy or inappropriately dressed.
• Don’t offer a limp handshake.
• Don’t slouch in your seat.
• Don’t leave your mobile phone switched on.
• Don’t lie.
• Don’t answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
• Don’t waffle or over-answer questions.
• Don’t brag about your achievements; sell yourself in a professional manner.
• Don’t offer negative information about yourself.
• Don’t speak negatively about your current or previous employer.
• Don’t appear desperate for the job.

back to top