Interview Preparation: Tips for Candidate Success

Overview

The interview stage of the recruitment process allows candidates to demonstrate their suitability for a role by describing and presenting their relevant skills, experience, and alignment with organisational values ⁹.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s July 2024 Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey, 77% of approximately 1,000 employers across the healthcare, retail, hospitality, technology, and construction sectors considered interviews as the most important factor in the hiring process ⁸. This finding underscores the importance of effective interview preparation to make a positive impression in a competitive selection process ⁸.

By researching the company, understanding the job description, and using verbal and non-verbal communication, candidates can present confidently and professionally ^{6, 9, 16, 17}. Punctuality, appropriate presentation, and experience-based responses can further strengthen interview performance ^{6, 16, 17}.

This article explores how these practices can enhance candidate effectiveness and improve positive outcomes during the interview stage.

 

1. Research the Company

The Talent Board North American Candidate Experience (NAM CandE) Benchmark Research Report, found that 70.5% of 130,000 job candidates researched a company before applying 11. Effective interview preparation often begins with developing a strong understanding of the organisation with which candidates are interviewing ^{9, 16}. Familiarity with the company’s operations, industry, structure, and values can allow candidates to demonstrate genuine interest and informed engagement during the interview ⁹.

Candidates should explore the organisation’s products, services, target markets, and recent developments to tailor responses to the role’s requirements ^{9, 16}. This process can help candidates understand how the position contributes to broader business objectives and better align their experience with the organisation’s goals. Researching the wider industry and the organisation’s market position may also provide valuable insight into its strategic direction and public reputation ⁹.

These insights can be gathered from credible sources, including the company’s website, press releases, annual reports, industry publications, and social media platforms ^{9, 16}. The importance of thorough research is further supported by the 2018 NAM CandE Benchmark Research Report, which found that 60% of candidates used company career sites and 31% accessed LinkedIn Company Pages to collect this information ¹¹.

It is also beneficial to identity the interviewers in advance, as knowing their names, roles, and responsibilities can support more targeted and effective communication during the interview ^{9, 16}. Additionally, confirming logistical details, such as interview time, location, and relevant contact information, can help ensure preparedness and allows for timely communication in the event of unforeseen delays ⁹.

 

2. Understand the Job Description

A clear understanding of the role’s expectations can enable candidates to align their skills and experience with the position, resulting in more focused and relevant interview responses ^{9, 16}. Job advertisements and position descriptions outline key responsibilities, qualification, and selection criteria, making them important tools for interview preparation ⁹.

According to SEEK research involving 12,000 Australian candidates annually, 78% considered understanding a role’s responsibilities essential before applying ¹. This finding highlights the significance of clear job descriptions and the value of this information in helping candidates prepare effectively for interviews ¹.

Additionally, the job description provides context on how the role contributes to broader organisational goals ¹⁶. This insight can help candidates understand the nature of the work and the employer expectations, enabling them to emphasise relevant experience and competencies during the interview ¹⁶.

 

3. Be Punctual, Honest, and Dress Appropriately

Punctuality, honesty, professional appearance, and respectful communication can contribute to a strong first impression in an interview ^{6, 9, 16, 17}. These factors can shape how employers assess a candidate’s interest, preparedness, and cultural fit. For example, research by Accountemps revealed that 94% of 2,800 senior managers viewed candidate attire important in forming first impressions¹³.

Preferences for attire can also vary by industry, with suits more commonly expected by 46% of senior managers in finance, insurance, and real estate sectors, compared to 28% in construction and 26% in retail ¹³. Subsequently, candidate attire should reflect professionalism, industry standards, and the company’s culture ^{6, 16, 17}. Reviewing company profiles or LinkedIn pages can provide useful guidance on appropriate dress standards ⁶. For video interviews, a neutral background and neat appearance can support a professional image ¹⁶.

Candidates should arrive at the interview location 10-15 minutes early to mentally prepare, refine their appearance, and account for potential delays ^{9, 17}. Planning the route in advance, checking transport options, and promptly notifying the interviewer of any issues are practical strategies to ensure punctuality ⁹.  A Design & Build poll of over 60,000 LinkedIn respondents further emphasised the importance of timeliness, revealing that 45% of respondents considered lateness as the most concerning interview behaviour, followed by unprepared answers (35%) and inappropriate attire (16%) ⁴.

Clear and honest communication can also underscore a strong interview presence. Speaking clearly, avoiding excessive jargon, and practicing responses in advance can demonstrate a strong understanding of the role and enhance the clarity of responses ^{7, 9, 16}. These behaviours can reflect respect for the interview process and reinforce the candidate’s professionalism and credibility.

 

4. Be Polite and Show Positive Body Language

Albert Mehrabian’s widely referenced communication model denotes that only 7% of a person’s feelings are conveyed through words, while 38% are communicated through tone of voice and 55% from non-verbal cues such as posture, gestures, and facial expressions ¹². These communication behaviours can significantly shape how candidates are perceived during interviews by influencing the quality of interactions with interviewers ¹².

Maintaining appropriate eye contact, sitting upright, and adopting an open, attentive posture can convey confidence, engagement, and professionalism ^{6, 7, 14}. Conversely, behaviours such as crossing arms, fidgeting, or appearing distracted may signal discomfort or disinterest ^{7, 14}. Subtle gestures, including smiling and nodding, can indicate understanding, enthusiasm, and attentiveness ^{6, 7}.

Politeness and respectful communication can reinforce a positive impression by demonstrating courteous speech, active listening, and appreciation for the interviewer’s time ^{9, 14}. These behaviours can reflect key interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and overall competence, which can help candidates build rapport and positively influence hiring decisions.

 

5. Draw from Experience

Employers frequently use behavioural interview techniques that examine how applicants have managed specific situations in the past ^{7, 16, 17}. This method is based on the premise that past behaviour is a strong predictor of future performance. Candidates can present their responses in a clear and structured manner using the STAR methods, which involves providing the context of a situation, explaining the specific task and actions taken to address it, and then outlining the outcome of those actions ^{16, 17}.

Effective examples can be drawn from work, academic, or extracurricular experiences that closely align with the role’s requirements ^{16, 17}. A study involving 11,667 job applications revealed that 71.6% of interviews included questions about prior work experience, and 46.9% addressed job knowledge, skills, and abilities ².

Additional research from Jobs and Skills Australia’s July 2024 Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey reported that 52% of employers in medium-sized companies and 50% in small-sized companies prioritised candidates with relevant experience and skills, compared to 42% in large organisations ⁸. While qualifications and licenses were important for 38% of employers in medium-sized and 39% in large-sized businesses, relevant experience remained the most highly valued attribute across all business sizes ⁸. These finding indicates that candidates should anticipating these types of questions and structuring responses around the employer’s stated competencies to enhance interview performance and improve candidate confidence ^{2, 5, 8}.

Candidates can further enhance their interview process by bringing supplementary materials, such as resumes or portfolios, to highlight examples of specialised strengths ^{7, 17}. Addressing employment gaps or past challenges in a constructive and professional manner can also demonstrate honesty, resilience, and self-awareness ¹⁴.

 

6. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Asking informed questions during an interview can reflect genuine interest in the role and helps candidates assess alignment with their goals and values ¹⁷. Employers often interpret this as a sign of preparation and intent to contribute meaningfully to the organisation and interview process ¹⁰.

A CareerBuilder survey of over 2,500 employers reported that 32% of hiring managers considered failure to ask good questions one of the most detrimental interview mistakes ¹⁵. According to then-Vice President of HR, Rosemary Haefner, well-crafted questions allow candidates to showcase their knowledge of the organisation and guide the conversation toward their strengths ¹⁵.

These insights indicate that candidates should prepare several questions about the role, team structure, career development, or the company’s values and projects ^{16, 17}. Questions grounded in information gathered during the research process of a company’s website, news articles, or annual reports can further demonstrate engagement and a forward-thinking mindset ¹⁶.

 

Conclusion

Interview performance is significantly influenced by thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the organisation, role, and culture, enabling candidates to align their experience with employer expectations ^{9, 16}. Key factors for interview preparation include punctuality, professional appearance, and effective communication that conveys respect, engagement, and professionalism ^{6, 7, 14, 17}.

Additionally, preparing insightful questions can highlight genuine interest and reinforces a candidates understanding of the role and organisation ^{10, 15, 16, 17}. Reflecting on interview performance and seeking feedback, when possible, can provide valuable insights for continuous improvement in interviewing techniques ⁹. Each interview presents an opportunity for growth, helping candidates build confidence and enhance their competitiveness in the job market ⁹.

 

References

1. Alexander, Lindy. n.d. “Why Candidates Aren’t Applying for your Job.” Seek. Accessed June 3, 2025. https://talent.seek.com.au/hiring-advice/article/why-candidates-arent-applying-for-your-job.
2. Campion, Michael A., Julia Levashina, Filip Lievens, Richard A. Posthuma, Eveline Schollaert, Wei-Chi Tsai, and Maria F. Wagstaff. 2014. “Comparing Employment Interviews in Latin America with Other Countries.” Journal of Business Research 67 (5): 943-951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2013.07.014.
3. Dewar, Jen. 2025. “Job Interview Statistics You Should Know in 2025.” JobScore. https://www.jobscore.com/articles/interviewing-statistics/#55%-of-applicants-will-give-up-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-schedule-their-first-interview-within-a-week.
4. Eshman, Nathan. 2024. “Why Am I Not Getting the Job? Identify Your Blindspots and Win the Interview.” Design and Build. https://www.designandbuild.com.au/why-am-i-not-getting-the-job-identify-your-blindspots-and-win-the-interview.
5. Hartwell, Christopher J., Clark D. Johnson, and Richard A. Posthuma. 2019. “Are We Asking the Right Questions? Predictive Validity Comparison of Four Structured Interview Question Types.” Journal of Business Research 100: 122-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.03.026.
6. Hudson. n.d.-a. “Job Interviews: How to Make a Good First Impression at a Job Interview.” Accessed June 3, 2025. https://au.hudson.com/insights/job-interviews/how-to-make-a-good-first-impression/.
7. Hudson. n.d.-b. 34 Ways to Master the Art of the Interview. https://cdn-01.cms-ap-v2i.applyflow.com/hudson-au-2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/34-ways-to-master-the-interview-hudson.pdf.
8. Jobs and Skills Australia. 2024a. “How Employers Recruit, July 2024.” Australian Government. https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/How%20employers%20recruit%20-%20Report.pdf.
9. Jobs and Skills Australia. n.d.-b. Winning at Job Interviews. Government of Western Australia. https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/uploads/Jobs%26Careers/jswa-winning-job-interviews.pdf.
10. Jobs and Skills Western Australia. n.d. Quick Tips. Government of Western Australia. https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/uploads/Jobs%26Careers/jswa-jobsandcareers-quicktips.pdf.
11. McLaren, Samantha. “7 Data-Backed Strategies that will Improve your Company’s Candidate Experience.” Talent Blog, May 15, 2019. https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/strategies-to-improve-candidate-experience#:~:text=majority%20of%20candidates%20(-,70.5%25,-)%20conduct%20their%20own.
12. Mehrabian, Albert. 1971. “The Double-Edged Message.” In Silent Messages, 2^nd, 40-56. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company. https://e-edu.nbu.bg/pluginfile.php/855150/mod_resource/content/1/Albert-Mehrabian%20-%20Silent%20Messages%201971%20-%20red.size.pdf.
13. Robert Half. 2019. “Are Suits Still Suitable for Job Interviews? Managers Split Between Formality and Function, Survey Shows.” Press Release, September 10, 2019. https://press.roberthalf.com/2019-09-10-Are-Suits-Still-Suitable-For-Job-Interviews-Managers-Split-Between-Formality-And-Function-Survey-Shows.
14. Sergent, Shane R., and Sam Slade. 2023. “Interview Techniques.” In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526083/.
15. Smith, Jacquelyn. 2013. “30 Questions You Should And Shouldn’t Ask In A Job Interview.” Forbes, July 5, 2013. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/07/05/30-questions-you-should-and-shouldnt-ask-in-a-job-interview/.
16. The University of Sydney. n.d. “Interview Tips.” Accessed June 4, 2025. https://www.sydney.edu.au/careers/students/applying-for-jobs/interview-tips.html.
17. Workforce Australia. 2025. “Prepare for a Job Interview.” Australian Government. https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/job-applications/job-interviews.