interview tips.

Although the interview process varies from job to job, your approach to preparation is essential to success.

Our experts have compiled lists of common interview questions for a wide range of roles, tips and guidance to ensure you make the most of your life-changing interview opportunity. 

Employers will always scan your CV for professional experience and achievements but once you get past that stage and through to the interview stage, more and more employers are looking for examples of 'soft skills'.

Soft skills - or social skills - determine how well an individual works with others and include organisation, communication, and teamwork. Mention these skills and be ready to give examples of when and how you displayed them:

• organisation
• communication
• teamwork
• problem-solving
• adaptability
• discipline 

Soft skills to demonstrate in an interview.

Organisation.

Organisation reveals how prepared you are to perform a job. It also indicates how easily you can share resources, meet deadlines and relate results to other projects. Demonstrating common sense suggests you can accurately assess a situation and will be able to determine how to sort and rank items to be addressed.

Communication.

Interpersonal communication is key to the completion of many projects. Say you are willing to ask people who are more experienced how to accomplish tasks and show you can soothe hurt feelings, help others cooperate and build bridges.

Teamwork.

Working as a member of a team requires that an individual does their fair share, help others who are struggling, resolve conflicts that lead to inefficiency and take initiative. Employers aren't always looking for a leader and often look for someone who is committed to the team's success.

Problem-solving.

Prove that you have creative and usable ideas to accomplish company goals. Show you can use your initiative to craft several plans, especially if one is risky and if your interviewer criticises your plan say you're open to trying something else.

Adaptability.

Adaptability refers to an individual's potential to deal well with changing circumstances. Sometimes a team misses its deadline or a project runs out of money. Be prepared for a question on what you would do if things don't work out as expected. A good candidate will admit to frustration, determine their next steps and indicate optimism.

Discipline.

All jobs have their obstacles and for new starters, they often include unfamiliarity, new work relationships and, sometimes, new physical surroundings. With that in mind, explain how you would remain motivated and how you have motivated others. Employers love to hear how candidates do not have trouble getting started on something new.