Interview tips from Hays

So you’ve got an interview, congratulations. Now, let’s get you prepared so the nerves don’t get you on the day. To properly prepare for a job interview you will need to sharpen your presentation and communication skills. Researching the organisation you’re interviewing with, studying the job description, and having some past work experiences top of mind you can discuss will put you in good stead during the selection process; but there’s more you can do to give yourself the best chance, and it starts with revisiting basic interview skills.

Some of the basics to always remember:

Arrive 10 minutes early if in person, or log in five minutes early if it’s online
Be polite and greet everyone you meet
Research your interviewer/s
Ask questions
Be honest
Practice active listening
Present professionally and practice positive body language
Thank them for their time and ask what the next steps are

We have outlined key topics to support your preparation and build your interview skills to maximise your chances of landing that job. From different interview techniques you can employ, to things to say in a job interview, to navigating difficult questions – we’ve covered it all in our interview advice pages. Meeting your potential employer is perhaps the most significant step you will take in your job search journey - it’s important that you feel ready so practice interview tips and techniques to gain confidence.

Interview guide

Job interview guide

Covering everything you need to know to prepare for a successful job interview.

promo box banner 6 ways to show you want the job

6 ways to show you want the job

Stand out to the employer with these tips from Hays.

Go the extra mile

STAR Method

It allows you to answer every question not only thoroughly but with confidence as well.

Improve your interview success

Cultural fit in the workplace

For many organisations, “cultural fit” is a recruitment priority.

Find out why it's important

Two employees working in the office

How to get time off for a job interview

Read our expert advice on how to get time off work to attend a job interview.

Prepare for a job interview

Job interview preparation tips

To ensure you give yourself the best chance of an interview going well, take these steps.

Dressed in a white jacket for job interview

What to wear to a job interview

Learn how to put together an interview outfit with advice from Hays.

Create the perfect outfit

Video interview

How to impress in your next video interview

Prepare for your next video interview with these 11 top tips from Hays.

Master your video interview

Corporate lady in an interview

7 difficult interview questions

The most difficult ones we know of and how you should go about answering them.

Find out more

Man in suite talking on phone

Phone interview preparation advice

Get ready for your next phone interview with practical advice from Hays.

Excel at phone interviews

Answering why do you want to work here

Answering: Why do you want to work here?

How to answer the one question you can expect to encounter at every job interview.

Impress hiring managers

Lady in pink top with glasses

Why do you want to leave your current job?

Learn how to answer why you are leaving your current job with confidence.

4 top tips

Questions to ask the interviewer

17 questions to ask the interviewer

How can you improve your likelihood of success in a job interview?

Ask the right questions

How to answer interview questions

How to answer: “Tell me about yourself”

Advice on how to answer the most-often-asked interview question.

Competency-based interview questions

Understand the basics of competency questions and answers for a job interview.

Check out our examples

Situational job interview questions

Find out how to successfully answer situational questions in your next job interview.

Determine the best answer

a woman in an interview

How to answer behavioural questions

Get ready for behavioural questions in your upcoming job interview.

Tackle behavioural questions

A woman on her laptop reading interview tips

Psychometric assessments

Learn what it takes to complete a psychometric assessment as part of a job interview.

7 tips for job seekers

Two employees talking in the office

Discussing salary expectations

Find out how to tackle delicate interview questions about salary expectations.

Be prepared to answer

Two people in an office having a discussion

Interview tips for contract roles

Learn how to prepare for your upcoming job interview with this bespoke advice from Hays.

7 common questions

Co workers having a friendly discussion in the office

How to ace a panel job interview

Panel interviews can be much more intimidating than just a one-on-one interview.

Navigate them with confidence

Panel interview

What to expect in a second job interview

Confirmed your next interview? Here’s our advice on how to prepare.

Set your expectations right

Signs your interview went well

Signs your interview went well

Recently completed an interview? Here are 7 signs that your interview was successful.

Analyse your performance

Woman in blazer talking on phone

A guide to references for jobseekers

Need to provide a reference? Let Hays guide you in this practical guide.

Discover 6 key points

Search for jobs

Career advice

CVs & cover letters

View templates and tips to help you start your job search journey.

Access expert advice for all stages of the job hunting process.

Master the art of job interviews with helpful articles and tips.

Career development

Discover tips and actions you can take to enhance your career path.

Supercharge your skillset with a series of practical online guides.

Download and discover the latest salary trends in Australia.

Woman reading Hays newslettter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and get expert career advice delivered to your inbox