10 Tips for Job Interviews in Australia

1. When preparing for a job in Australia, be aware that you may be required to complete some kind of entrance test prior to being called for an interview.
2. If you have been called for an interview research the company in as much detail as possible.  Australian Employees will expect you to be familiar with the company.  Also be aware that they may not be familiar with the companies you may have worked for overseas.  Try to put them into local context – “Marsden Tyres UK hold a similar share of the market as Bob Jane T Mart does in Australia and offers similar services.” So do your research prior to the interview.
3. Australian Interviews will commonly take the form of a Panel.  There may be two or three people on the panel and during the introductions take care to note the names. Whether to shake hands or not will be indicated by the Panel Chairman, if they hold their hand out to shake reciprocate. You can then shake hands and repeat each person’s name to confirm their identity.  The actual interview will often start in a very informal way.  Don’t become too laid back, remember that the aim of the interview is to select the best candidate so take the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and/or the company, do not interrupt the interviewer and never criticize former employers.
4. There is sometimes an opportunity to hand over your business card at the beginning of the interview, if so do not offer any further paperwork such as CV, qualifications etc until later in the interview when they become relevant.
5. The Australian interview dress code is different from UK, US or Europe. It also differs in different part of the country.  In southern states during autumn or winter dress neatly and conservatively. Men wear jackets and ties and women often choose suits or similar.  Always wear understated accessories.
   In the northern states or in the summer months, short sleeve shirts and ties are quite acceptable. And depending on the type of job being applied for, open necked short sleeve shirts are also acceptable. Women wear skirts and blouses or dresses, again with simple accessories.  The main point is to dress appropriately for the type of job you are applying for.  For senior levels, suits and ties would be appropriate, but if the job is for a building tradesman, most employers would be surprised and amused if you were to attend the interview similarly attired.
6. Be prepared to answer hypothetical questions such as “What if you were .....”  and Australian employers can ask some very direct questions as “Why do you want to work for this company”  be prepared to answer as fully as possible, avoid “yes” or ‘no” answers and above all be truthful.
7. Keep all your paperwork carefully in order and only offer them when they become relevant  “I did my basic Fitter and Turner Course in 1997 and here is a copy of the final report.”
8. At the end of the interview you will have the opportunity to ask questions yourself.  Avoid asking about salary unless this has not been covered previously.  Questions relating to promotion opportunity, skills development training etc are the types that are often asked at this point of the interview.
9. When leaving the interview, if you have shook hands at the beginning you should now shake hands again, using the interviewer’s names if possible.  Make sure that you close the door behind when exiting the room. 
10. Australian Businesses often have a lengthy consultation process, so you may have to wait for some time for the results of your job interview.  It is common practice for applicants to follow up the interview with a ‘thank you’ letter.  Employers often regard this as an indication of your real interest in the position.