Mastering the job interview

Dr Renee Cunial, lecturer in employee relations at the University of Wollongong (UOW), shared her insights into the recruitment process plus her top tips for overcoming the nerves and putting your pest foot forward.

Emphasising that interviews should follow a 20:80 speaking ratio, with the candidate doing most of the talking, she says authenticity is critical for leaving a lasting impression.

"Be authentic. Employers aren't just looking for someone who can give the right answer; they are looking for someone who is the right fit," Dr Cunial said.

The application process

Resumes and cover letters give applicants their first opportunity to showcase skills, experience, and fit for a role. With large applicant pools for one job, it is important to stand out from the crowd. As a result, many employers now use Ai tools to screen applications, using algorithms to identify candidates who meet their criteria.  

For example, if a job seeks ‘strong communication,’ your application should demonstrate this skill in action, making it clear to employers during resume screening.  

"GenAi based resume screening is highly common, especially in the first stages of the recruitment process," Dr Cunial says. 

UOW provides career resume and cover letter guidelines to assist students in navigating the job application process. 

What not to do

According to Dr Cunial, there are three common mistakes candidates should avoid during interviews.

1. Rushing responses. 

Although a common mistake, rushing responses without taking a moment to clarify or gather your thoughts can result in unclear or incomplete answers, often revealing nervousness. Taking a moment to think or asking the interviewer to repeat the question is both acceptable and beneficial.

2. Too much detail overwhelms the interviewer.

Overloading the interviewer with unnecessary information can be overwhelming. Structuring answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps candidates stay focused on relevant experiences and outcomes while avoiding unnecessary word fluff.

3. Over preparation. 

While it’s natural to anticipate every possible question, scenario and outcome of the interview, sounding overly rehearsed can come across as in authentic. Allowing your personality to come through naturally is essential for making a lasting impression. 

Qualities that help you stand out

Interviews offer an opportunity to showcase not only technical skills, but also personality and interpersonal strengths. One key aspect is drawing on past experiences and clearly explaining them using the STAR method. By outlining what you did and why, interviewers can see how those skills would transfer to the role. 

“Human centred skills are something that is really important to employers,” Dr Cunial said. So, it’s important to be clear and intentional about highlighting experiences that align closely with the job description and linking responses to the employer’s criteria.

To ask a follow-up question or not?

"Follow-up questions are very important," Dr Cunial notes.

Asking thoughtful questions help candidates direct the conversation, whilst also highlighting their skills, experience, and strengths to shows greater interest in the job. Additionally, you can also scope out if the organisation is the right fit for you with genuine interest and critical thinking skills. 

“Asking questions about the company culture, leadership styles, or growth opportunities, allows candidates to understand what it would be like to work there,” Dr Cunial said.

Authenticity is key

Authentic candidates are more likely to be a strong fit for the organisation, leave a lasting impression, and engage in more natural conversations. Being confident and concise reduces the risks of sounding over-rehearsed or scripted.  

“The goal is a mutual match between what the employer is seeking, and what the candidate wants in a role,” Dr Cunial phrases.  

Ultimately, a successful job interview is built on mutual clarity and authenticity, allowing both the candidate and interviewer to determine the right fit. Mastering this comes from avoiding common mistakes and fostering clear, confident communication.