How to Nail Your Next Job Interview

A face-to-face interview can be tough enough. Now with the increasingly popular addition of Skype interviews added to the recruitment process, it can seem downright daunting. Fear not! We had our Arrivals Team Managers from around the globe stop by to fill us in on all the do’s and don’t’s - to ensure your qualifications shine through and you land your dream job abroad from the comfort of your bedroom.

All the Do’s

DO: RESEARCH THE ESTABLISHMENT AND LOCATION BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

Even if you have researched the company prior, do it again before the interview, so it’s fresh in your mind. The more you know, the better prepared you are. Go over the job details again so you know what skills they’re looking for. And review the website again to get a feel for the company culture.

DO: BE BUBBLY AND OUTGOING Arrivals Team Manager, Gold Coast, Australia - Olivia T.

Nobody wants to hire a negative nancy, you should be confident & positive about yourself and your experience, and remember that they already like you! Employers don’t interview everyone, only those who they think have the right skills and experience for the position.

DO: MAKE SURE TO WEAR PROPER INTERVIEW ATTIRE Arrivals Team Manager, Vancouver, Canada - Chrissy R.

Collared shirts are preferred! Or at least choose clothes that are neat and clean. A crisp shirt is always preferable to your yoga gear. Extreme fashion choices or very casual clothes should be avoided at all costs… AND, remember to always wear pants for video interviews (Yes, some people don’t!)

Do: Write some questions to ask your potential employer Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

An interview is a two-way street. They select you, and you also choose them. They are asking you questions to learn about you and make sure you have the skills needed. But you should prepare some questions to ask your potential employer to ensure this is the right fit for you too.

Do: Have your resume in front of you for easy reference Arrivals Team Manager, Vancouver, Canada - Chrissy R.

Keep a copy of your CV and cover letter on hand in case you need to reference something specific during the interview. Also, know how to locate these files quickly, so you can email them to the interviewer if they request a copy.

Do: Make sure that you are in a quiet area with good WiFi/signal Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

Make sure you pick a quiet, peaceful place away from any distractions. Get any potential disruptions out of the way. Make sure you have a good strong WiFi connection - if the network suddenly disconnects, and you can’t get it working - quickly drop a message to the interviewer to explain and reschedule.

Do: Plan your journey in advance if you are travelling to an in-person interview, so you get there early Arrivals Team Manager, Gold Coast, Australia - Olivia T.

Find out exactly where you’re going beforehand, so you don’t get lost. Better yet, be there 10 minutes early and take a walk around the block. If you are going to be unavoidably late, make sure you ring ahead and let them know.

Do: Ensure that you talk clearly and enthusiastically Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

Keep your tone pleasant and upbeat, remember you applied for this position because you thought you could do it. Stay actively engaged in the conversation, and you’ll be in the interviewer’s good books in no time at all.

Do: Test your Skype beforehand with your Coordinator, friend or family member Arrivals Team Manager, Vancouver, Canada - Chrissy R.

You don’t want to get flustered over how to increase the volume mid-interview. Conducting a trial run the day before to work out any technical kinks is a great idea. Is the lighting decent? Is your background appropriate? Can they hear you properly? Practice makes perfect.

All the Don’ts

Don’t: turn up in your PJ’s Arrivals Team Manager, Gold Coast, Australia - Olivia T.

Use common sense! Don’t have a big night the night before, or drink straight beforehand to calm your nerves. And especially for a video interview, don’t crack open a beer or light up a cigarette either (these have both happened before)! And especially don’t start the interview in your PJs, or even worse, still in bed (yep, we’ve seen this also).

Don't: Mumble and look down to the ground (Skype) Arrival Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

Mlfiufum… we said don’t mumble! Talk to the person, not the corner of the screen or at your feet. Remember to speak loud and clear as well.

Don't: Assume that you have the role without trying Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

When you travel with Global, we'll match your skills & experience with suitable job opportunities, but you’re still going to have to put some enthusiasm and effort in to prove you are the right person for the position.

Don't: Talk over or interrupt the interviewer Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

Timing is everything. Don’t interrupt the interviewer, especially before they have finished asking you a question. Put yourself in their shoes. Being cut off mid-sentence is super rude. Be patient, listen to everything they have to say and save your questions for the right time.

Don't: Say “you want to work for a month, then you’re going travelling some more” Arrivals Team Manager, Gold Coast, Australia - Olivia T.

They’ve already spent time and money searching for top talent; now they have to spend more to train you. Understandably as Working Holidaymakers, the roles are usually only a few months long, however, stating that you’re just going to stick around for a few weeks isn’t the best way to start a new relationship - and it’s a guaranteed way to fail the interview.

Don't: Make any special requests in your first interview Arrivals Team Manager, Vancouver, Canada - Chrissy R.

We recently had a traveller who asked specifically to be in front of house hospitality, in a role with accommodation. They were soon offered an interview as a waiter in a great location with housing provided. However, in the interview, they told the employer that they would not clear tables, carry plates or clean glasses... all of which are part of the job. Needless to say, it was a no for this guy!

Don't: Stress out... You’ve got this! Arrivals Team Manager, London, UK - Katy G.

Last but not least, you’ve got this! If you’re relaxed, open and confident, look presentable, are positive and curious about the potential job then you already have an excellent shot at getting the position. You’re already 95% there!

Ta-da! Now you’re all set for interview stardom! If you’re still dreaming about an overseas adventure and not quite sure where to start let us help. All you need to do is decide where to go…

Get the job!