Preparing for a Job Interview: Practical Tips for Success

Job interviews are pivotal moments in any career journey. They can open doors to new opportunities, greater professional fulfilment, and long-term career growth. As one of Australia’s most established recruitment and HR consulting specialists, McArthur has supported thousands of job seekers across a broad range of industries for over 55 years. Drawing from this deep expertise, we’ve compiled key advice to help you approach your next job interview with clarity, confidence and impact. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your professional career, these strategies reflect today’s best practices and are tailored to the realities of the Australian job market.

Understand the Interview Format

Interviews today can take place in various formats - face-to-face, over the phone, or increasingly via video platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Understanding the format in advance will help you prepare appropriately and avoid unnecessary stress on the day. For video interviews, it’s essential to test your technology beforehand. Ensure your camera and microphone are working, your internet connection is stable, and your environment is quiet and free from distractions. Take the time to position yourself in a well-lit area with a clean, professional background, and dress as you would for an in-person meeting. First impressions are powerful, and in a virtual setting, they’re shaped just as much by your preparation as your presentation.

Research the Company and the Role

Employers are consistently impressed by candidates who have taken the time to genuinely understand their organisation. Demonstrating knowledge of a company’s mission, values, services, and recent projects signals that you are proactive, motivated and serious about the opportunity. Start with the company’s website, then look at their LinkedIn page and recent news coverage. Understand their industry position, who their clients are, and what challenges or opportunities they might be facing. When you connect this knowledge to your own experience and goals, it allows you to position yourself as a meaningful contributor from the outset.

Know Your Resume Inside Out

Your resume is often the foundation of the conversation in an interview. Being able to confidently talk through your past roles, achievements, and career progression helps establish credibility and builds rapport. It’s important to go beyond simply reciting job titles - consider how you added value in each position. One effective approach is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to bring your experiences to life. By clearly articulating how you approached specific challenges and what outcomes you achieved, you’re offering employers a compelling insight into your capabilities and work ethic.

Manage Your Online Personal Brand

Your online presence often forms part of an employer’s first impression. Before the interview, ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, professional, and aligned with your resume. A clear headline, recent experience, and a strong summary can help you stand out.

It’s also a good idea to review your public social media profiles and adjust privacy settings if needed. A consistent, professional digital footprint reinforces your credibility and shows you're mindful of how you present yourself - both online and in person.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

While every interview is unique, certain questions frequently appear across most industries and roles. These often include variations of: “Tell me about yourself,” “What attracted you to this role?” “What are your strengths and areas for development?” and “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.” Preparing your responses ahead of time not only helps ease nerves, but ensures your answers are structured and relevant. Practising out loud can improve your delivery, and if possible, record yourself to gain insights into your tone, pace, and non-verbal cues. The more familiar you are with your talking points, the more naturally and confidently you’ll be able to present them.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology is a powerful ally in the interview preparation process. From learning platforms to digital rehearsal tools, there are a wealth of resources to help you refine your performance. Online platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and YouTube host free courses and videos on interview techniques and communication skills. AI tools like ChatGPT can assist you in brainstorming potential questions and refining your answers. Additionally, ensure your professional online presence, particularly your LinkedIn profile, is current and aligned with your CV. Recruiters and hiring managers often review online profiles as part of their assessment, so make sure your digital presence supports your professional story.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

An interview isn’t just about answering questions - it’s also your opportunity to gather insights and assess whether the role is the right fit for you. Preparing a few thoughtful questions demonstrates genuine interest and strategic thinking. Consider asking about how success is measured in the role, the structure and dynamics of the team, or what challenges the organisation is currently navigating. These types of questions not only provide valuable information but show that you are considering the bigger picture and your potential impact within it.

Follow Up Professionally

Sending a short thank-you message after your interview reflects professionalism and reinforces your interest in the role. Aim to send your follow-up within 24 hours. Keep your message sincere and specific - reference something from the interview that stood out or reaffirm how your skills align with the organisation’s goals. A well-crafted follow-up helps keep you top of mind and can make a lasting impression, especially in competitive recruitment processes.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?

At McArthur, we don’t just connect job seekers with employers - we support your entire career journey. With a national footprint and specialist expertise across sectors including Government, Commercial, Early Childhood Education, Engineering, Aged Care, Nursing and more, our consultants provide personalised guidance to help you prepare, perform and succeed. We understand the nuances of today’s job market and are committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Explore our latest roles or register with McArthur today and take your next step with confidence.

With the right preparation and the right partner by your side, your next interview could be the beginning of something great.