Impress prospective employers

Interview preparation helps alleviate any stress you may experience before or during the interview process, and enables you to impress prospective employers at the interview.

Interview purpose

The end goal of any interview is to win the job.

However, interviews also serve two other important purposes:

  1. They allow employers to learn about your personality, skills, potential and whether you will fit into their organisation's culture.
  2. They allow you to find out more about the organisation and the role, and whether the organisation is the right fit for you.

Video interviews

Video interviewing is increasingly being used in graduate recruitment by both public and private sectors. Here’s how you can perform your best during this round of the selection process.

Video interview tips

Prior to the day of the interview
  • Prepare for your interview as you would for a face-to-face interview:
    • Research the organisation and yourself.
    • Prepare your answers to common interview questions and behavioural questions.
    • Prepare questions to ask the 'interviewer'.
    • Do your research on appropriate salary for the role.
    • Arrange a mock interview with your Careers Service or a friend or family member.
  • Read through your resume.
  • Choose a quiet location, preferably sitting at a table on a comfortable chair at the right height.
  • Plan what you are going to wear.
  • Practice recording yourself answering questions.
  • Consider using the picture in picture function on your computer so that you can see how you look (avoid getting distracted by this after the interview commences).
  • Read and reread all the instructions provided prior to the interview. Make sure you are clear on what is expected. If not, seek clarification via phone or email if possible.
  • Run the practice session if offered – check the sound is working and clear.
  • Practice your interviewing on Interview Stream (free to current Macquarie students).
The night before the interview
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Charge your computer, find leads, webcam and any other equipment you may need.
On the day of the interview
  • Make sure your computer is fully charged.
  • Consider leaving a sign on the front door advising callers not to ring the bell or knock, and to return later.
  • Take the landline phone off the hook.
  • Make sure dogs or other pets are secured in another room so there is no noise.
  • Dress appropriately in professional attire (top as well as bottom and shoes).
  • Check the background space behind you is neat and neutral with no distractions or inappropriate material displayed (for example, an unmade bed).
  • Close or lock the door of the room and advise other housemates that you cannot be disturbed for the period of the interview.
  • Close the window if you are likely to be disturbed by outside noises, such as traffic (even bird calls can come through loudly and can be distracting for the assessor).
  • Check that your face is well lit and avoid backlighting – it can leave you in the shadows.
Immediately prior to the interview
  • Visit the bathroom before you start.
  • Have a glass of water handy (tissues and/or cough lozenges as well if necessary).
  • Have a copy of your resume and pen and paper in front of you.
  • Have your mobile phone on silent or switched off – warn friends ahead of time not to call or text whilst the interview is in progress.
  • Exercise your voice a little.
  • Do some stretches to help you feel relaxed.
  • Take some deep breaths.
  • Smile – you'll enjoy this experience!
During the interview
  • Follow directions carefully. Typically, you will be given a minute or so to prepare each answer, then a couple of minutes to deliver your response.
  • Speak clearly and confidently.
  • Look at the camera, not down at the desk or table.
  • Try to remember to keep a pleasant expression on your face, and speak as naturally as you can.
  • Try to remain animated and friendly.
  • Avoid touching your face or hair, or fidgeting.
  • Avoid making unnecessary noise, such as shuffling papers, tapping a pen, moving in your chair, etc.

Further advice

Applicants undergoing video interviews report that the most difficult aspect of the interview is receiving no feedback or visual cues from the interviewer after they have given their answers. To combat this, try to visualise the person who will be watching your video and their reaction to your answers.

Give answers that are relevant and succinct. Don't try to fill up the allocated time with unnecessary words if you believe you have already fully answered the question.

Remember that a video interview is a "real" interview, just like when you interview in an office. In fact, given that the interview can be scored and reviewed, it can be even more important than a typical first-round phone or screening interview.

It is a good idea to write down all the questions and the answers you gave immediately after the interview. This may be useful if there is a further round of interviewing ahead.

Improve your interview skills

To prepare for an upcoming job interview, you should:

  1. Review the comprehensive interview preparation resources on MyMQ Career Zone and complete the interview simulator.
  2. Watch the LinkedIn Learning tutorial on Mastering Common Interview Questions.
  3. Register for an Interviewing Workshop via CareerHub to learn how to approach difficult interview questions, and to practice answering interview questions and get feedback.
  4. Book a one-on-one mock interview with a Careers Adviser via CareerHub to receive interview feedback and refine your interview technique.

Contact the Career and Employment Service for further information or assistance.