1. THE TRUTH ABOUT INTERVIEWS
AND WHAT THEY DON’T TELL YOU…
Seminar #3.2 Footscray Park 31 March 2009
Web version
Delivered By
Pam Winstanley
General Manager
Finance, Unified Healthcare Group

2. Key issues for Interviews and Seeking Co-op Positions
Deciding Which Roles to Apply For:
If you are applying for a role you are not really sure you want or are suitable for, you will not interview well.
So be sure where you would like to work as you do not want to settle into a role that you can not fulfil your obligation in. Especially as you will have enrolled into Co-operative or BIL Units for which you will gain subject credits.
The role should suit your skills and personality - you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.

3. Key issues for Interviews and Seeking Co-op Positions
Think about the type of industry you may be interested in and research the company prior to the interview. Be sure this is a place you are happy to spend a year or possibly more, as you may be offered the role permanently after you complete Co-op or BIL.
Know the location … is there parking, is there public transport, will the hours suit me.
Don’t overlook smaller businesses and opportunities as they often lead to bigger and better things.
Maintain your networks as they provide opportunities.

4. Resume:
Make sure you present your resume/CV in a clear and easy-to-read manner.
List ALL part time jobs and voluntary positions as well as any community involvement & interests (As an employer I look for candidates who have a good work life balance.)
Be sure to include good referees and your results & transcripts - although I really look at the personality that shines through the resume.
The big 4 Accounting firms and a lot of large corporate organisations may just look at your transcripts but I like to see the personality and the work you have taken on as it shows a lot about a person and their work ethics.

5. Phone Interview:
If you get the opportunity of a telephone interview ensure that you show some personality on the phone.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the role, the hours, the career path etc.

6. Interview:
Find out who you will be reporting to (the person who interviews you will not always be who you will be working with.)
Don’t be afraid to ask about hours, training, long term career path, staff turnover, future strategic plans of the business
Be prompt (even a little early if possible)
Dress well (even if the workplace is casual)

7. Qualifications:
Don’t assume your academic transcript will automatically open doors – it is just one of the tools you use to secure a role.
I look at transcripts more to assess the following:-
Are the chosen subjects relevant to the role or did they chose the ‘easy option’ electives.
If a subject has been failed, did they have another attempt or did not chose it again (Remember that it is not really that bad to fail something if you can prove you had another go and succeeded – all employers were once in your shoes and possibly remember how hard it can be. )

8. General comments:
I look for a good work – life balance to ensure the candidate will be a ‘good fit’ for the team and the environment so you must ‘sell yourself’ not just your academic achievements.
If a candidate can demonstrate that s/he can juggle study, a part time job and some community involvement it gives me a sense that they have some personality strengths such as communication skills, organisation skills as well as academic ability.