Organising the Ablaze interview

• Once you have been given an interview date, time and confirmed venue, ensure you know exactly where you are going and which method of transport is going to get you there on time.
• Ask your Consultant whilst making the appointment for directions if you are not sure.

What to bring with you

• Your resume, if it has been updated since emailed to Ablaze.
• Proof of your suitability to work in Australia (Visa, etc). Your verbal referees’ telephone contact details. Referees should be people to whom you have reported directly and whose permission you have already asked to be your referee.
• Certificates, diplomas, etc which are pertinent to the position you have applied.
• Any collateral that requires to be sighted by our Consultant to assist you in your application.
• Tax file and banking details for contractors and temporary work interviews.

Dress to impress

• Always dress as you would if you were going to meet your new employer for the first time – suitable to their company culture and mindful of the image you wish to project. eg. A conservative suit in a darker colour along with appropriate, clean shoes and bag/briefcase is generally appropriate for a corporate company.
• If applying for a position in a creative area, consider how you would dress for your first day on the job.
• Do not arrive with unnecessary items, ie. shopping bags or gym bags.
• First impressions are lasting.

Punctuality

• Be five minutes early.
• You can fill in the form and be relaxed before you start your interview.

At reception

• Be professional and above all, be friendly to the person who greets you – they just might be your Consultant!
• Follow their instructions as to how to complete the form/s, etc.
• At introduction to your Consultant, make eye contact, smile and give a firm handshake.
• Greet your Consultant by name (ensure you have the pronunciation correct) and introduce yourself by name.

Interview structure

• Most Consultants will outline their plan for the interview and may enjoy a little ice-breaking small talk to start. Follow their lead however do not initiate a lot of small talk yourself.
• Throughout the interview, please bear in mind the following qualities are highly valued: warmth, rapport, energy, brevity and clear communication.
• If you are nervous, let your Consultant know – we do understand how nerve-racking the interview process can be!

Listen

• Not listening to what the interviewer is saying is a common mistake and this is sometimes due to nerves. Don’t jump in with your input prior to completion of the interviewer’s questions/statements. Wait for them to finish and then answer or comment as appropriate.

Clarity and presentation

• Sit up and speak clearly.
• Be concise with your answers.
• Present yourself professionally in a well thought-out manner.
• Don’t make statements you can’t substantiate.
• Be enthusiastic.

Honesty

• Remember, not all positions you are applying for will be right for you.
• The purpose of the interview is to help sort out what is the right fit for you.
• The Consultant interviewing you is seeking to match the right candidate to the right employer.
• You need to tell them succinctly what you are looking for – and why. This includes: salary package expectations, your preferences for the type of work environment and the level of responsibility/challenge you are seeking.

Demonstrate your competencies

• It may be essential to discuss practical examples of past behaviour, which will help to demonstrate your competencies.
• You should be prepared to share examples of achievements or past behaviours when asked.
• Ensure you describe the situation, the action you took and the results or outcomes of your action.

Enthusiasm

• If you are genuinely keen on an opportunity, ensure you get your point across during the interview.  Firstly: your level of interest and secondly: why.