You got the call back for an interview! Congratulations! But what are interviews like in Australia?

Group

Group interviews are common for a multitude of jobs and allows employers to get a good range of people in and then cull them.

This is particularly used tactic for casual retail jobs and definitely around Christmas or the busy periods. These are also popular when big new chain stores open in Australia such as H&M or Top Shop so keep an eye out for news of big brands coming to Australia.

Generally you're divided into smaller groups and you're asked to tackle a set of tasks or answer some questions. The interviewers will then go around and monitor your interactions with each other and the quality of your answers and/or performance.

The key here is to shine but don't look like a diva that hogs the mike. You need to show leadership and ability to work in a team.

Panel

Panel style interviews can involve 2 or more people, generally in a related business unit or even team members that you'd be working with. These are more behavioural style questions and are designed to see how you work and whether you're a good fit.

Larger companies use panel interviews after you've gotten past the gate keeper, which could be a the HR manager or whoever decides that your resume is good enough to warrant an interview.

The panel interview can either be a round table discussion or they could sit at the end of the board room whilst you're at the other end.

If it's a round table discussion, don't mistake this as a casual interview process, you are still nonetheless being evaluated at all times so adjust your behaviour accordingly.

The key here is to ask the interviewers questions too because you want to see if they're a good fit for you. Remember, interviews go both ways.

One on one

One on one interviews are probably the most common unless they expressly state that it's a group interview.

They've been curious enough about your resume that they want to see you in person. This is your time to shine! Not only is it the opportunity to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience to do the job, its also an opportunity for them to evaluate whether you are a 'cultural fit'.

What is 'cultural fit'? It's whether they like you enough to think that they can work with you. It's whether your working style matches the style and atmosphere of the company. In many way it's like going on a date and seeing if you like each other enough to spend at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week with.

Mimicking your interviewer is a good start. And by this we mean you should adjust your tone, formality and behaviour to the behaviour of the interviewer. Let them set the tone of the interview, be it formal or informal.

Recruiter interviews

Recruiter interviews are conducted to see if you are a good candidate for them to match to jobs they have lined up. Or maybe for jobs that they'll go hunting for. Either way, you need to impress the recruiter and make them see that you are the ONLY candidate that they should put forward.

A recruiter is the one that is going out to bat for you so you should be honest with them.

These interviews can be more informal in nature as it's more of an interview of getting to know you and what you can do. They'll either have jobs in mind or companies in mind that are in need of good employees.

Always make a good impression.

Dress for success!

You've all been to interviews before so use common sense!

If in doubt, dress conservatively.

Dress like someone who would work for that company if you're interviewing direct.

Recruiters can be less business like and more casual but definitely go with business casual as a minimum for all interviews.

And that concludes our article on the top ways that interviews in Australia are conducted. For more tips and hints, sign up to our newsletter. Have any questions? Comment below and let us know!

Next article we're going to discuss making bank! Once you get that 'You're hired' what do you need to look out for and how do you get ready for the big first day on the job.

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