• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
EPIC Assist home

EPIC Assist

13 EPIC 133742
  • Home
  • Job seekers
    • Eligibility
    • Get started
    • What to expect
    • Mental health support
    • Choosing a provider
    • Traineeships and apprenticeships
    • Job seeker toolkit
    • FAQs
  • Businesses
    • Looking for employees
    • Support employee mental health
    • Support at risk employees
    • Diversity and inclusion training
    • Our supportive employers
    • Inclusive business toolkit
  • Students
    • School leaver supports (SLES)
    • Traineeships and apprenticeships
    • Job seeker toolkit
  • Get involved
    • Volunteer with us
    • Donate
  • Contact
    • Feedback
DONATE
  • Locations
  • News
  • Work with us
  • About us
DONATE
  • Home
  • Job seekers
    • Eligibility
    • Get started
    • What to expect
    • Mental health support
    • Choosing a provider
    • Traineeships and apprenticeships
    • Job seeker toolkit
    • FAQs
  • Businesses
    • Looking for employees
    • Support employee mental health
    • Support at risk employees
    • Diversity and inclusion training
    • Our supportive employers
    • Inclusive business toolkit
  • Students
    • School leaver supports (SLES)
    • Traineeships and apprenticeships
    • Job seeker toolkit
  • Get involved
    • Volunteer with us
    • Donate
  • Contact
    • Feedback
DONATE
You are here: Home / Job seeker toolkit / Five interview skills to help you get hired

Five interview skills to help you get hired

Wednesday, 23 January 2019
Job seekers discuss interview skills and preparation techniques
FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

Interviews aren’t easy; they can be one of the most unnerving, challenging, and awkward environments you will ever find yourself in. But they’re not impossible either. EPIC Assist (EPIC) has prepared five helpful tips to nudge you on your way to honing your interview skills and scoring that job

Listen

Listening is one of the most important, but underrated, interview skills. It can be challenging to listen to the interviewer’s question whilst also mentally preparing an answer. Make sure to stay in the moment and don’t let yourself zone out. It’s easy to fall into a habit of smiling, nodding, and saying “Okay” or “Exactly.”

Think before you speak

For many people, as soon as they enter an interview their hands begin to shake and their speech becomes rushed and flustered, littered with a flurry of “Ums” and “Ahs.” Don’t feel obligated to fill every little breath of silence. Make a conscious effort to slow down your answers so that every one is clear, concise, and calm.

Express interest and optimism

Take a moment to recall all of those nonverbal communication skills you prepared before the interview and put them into practice: relax your shoulders, make eye contact, sit-up straight, smile, and nod thoughtfully. If your body appears open, you will express interest and portray a reasonable attitude.

Remember: this is an interview, not a therapy session. Don’t use the attention as an opportunity to complain about your former employer or personal circumstances. Above all, be confident, not arrogant.

Prepare well-thought-out answers

It is incredibly important to prepare before the interview. Research potential interview questions that are specific to the position or industry and prepare relevant examples. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with your application – how did you pitch yourself? – and reanalyse the job description. These small steps can have a massive impact on ensuring your answers are consistent and speak to the employer’s needs.

There are many different approaches you can take when delivering your answers (for example, the STAR approach). No matter which method you choose, it is important to practice your delivery beforehand to smooth any gaps or rambles. Don’t be afraid to take notes with you into the interview.

Ask questions

For some employers, if the candidate doesn’t ask a question at the end of the interview it signals that they will not go beyond the bare minimum. Always be prepared to ask questions. Have a couple ready-to-go before the interview that show interest in what goes on in the company and how you will benefit their values.

Your EPIC consultant will work with you to develop your skills and job interview readiness. If you’re not already connected with EPIC, contact us to find out how we can help you.

Job seeker toolkit, Job skills

Marketing

Get in touch today
Feedback
Phone
Email
Visit
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Connect with us

Job seekers

  • Eligibility
  • Get started
  • What to expect
  • Mental health support
  • Choosing a provider
  • FAQs

Businesses

  • Looking for employees
  • Support employee mental health
  • Get support for at risk employees
  • Diversity and inclusion training
  • Our supportive employers

Students

  • School Leaver Employment Supports
  • Traineeships and apprenticeships

Get involved

  • Volunteer with us
  • Donate

Contact us

  • Feedback
EPIC Employment Inc. trading as EPIC Assist is a registered Disability Employment Services (DES) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider.
ABN 63 946 234 656
ARBN 607 463 767
Privacy
Cyber Security
Accessibility
Feedback
Staff Login
Ambassador Login
Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!