Last week, Frog Recruitment produced its latest Talent Webinar: Finding a job in Auckland. If you missed the opportunity to tune in, here is some extra tips and advice to help guide you along on your job search in 2022.

For most job seekers, having to interview for a job, whether it’s face-to-face or virtual, can be very daunting. It’s important to make a good first impression during these interviews, as it can make or break your application.

However, your first interview isn’t face-to-face or virtual, it is the spontaneous and out-of-the-blue call for a phone screen which often catches you off-guard. It’s important to set a good tone during the first phone screen. Here are some quick tips to help you nail the first step in this process:

1. Answer anonymous or unknown numbers formerly (e.g., Hi, this is John speaking)
2. If you don’t have a voicemail, set one up – it only takes a few seconds. (An example, “Hi, John here and sorry to have missed your call. Please leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.”) This will also benefit you to know who, where and what they are calling about
3. Ensure you keep a good record of vacancies you have applied for so you seem well prepared if contacted.
    

Now that you have aced your phone screen and are given the opportunity for a first interview, your homework and preparation do not stop here:

1. Thoroughly review the job description and highlight any areas you don't understand, seeking clarification or asking how x, y, and z are measured.
2. Research the company! This isn't reciting what has been posted on the company's website but diving further by looking at their profiles via LinkedIn, YouTube, or any social media platforms.
3. Research the interviewer to give you a sense of who you are meeting and their career path in the business or prior working history
4. If you don't live alone, communicate with your family/flatmates to avoid unnecessary background noise.
5. Get online 15 minutes before your interview if it is virtual. While you don’t need to be on the platform that early, it’s important to ensure you have no technical issues beforehand.
6. Make sure you have allocated a quiet area with no distractions, good internet connection, laptop or phone at eye level, plain background or blur your background, etc. In saying so, technology sometimes has a mind of its own and if you encounter this, ensure to have the interviewer's number on speed dial.

Regardless of if your interview is virtual or in person, it’s essential that you approach both with the same professionalism. Here are some key things to remember and put into practice during your interview:

1. Your best foot forward starts with a firm handshake and eye contact.
2. Dress for the occasion and attire you feel comfortable in - this can also help boost your confidence!
3. Please don't show up for an interview with a coffee or drink in hand; remember to put your phone on airplane mode or switch it off. 
4. The less you carry, the better – allowing you to be ready when approached rather than gathering your belongings to make the first introduction.
5. Maintain eye contact to show your interviewer that you're motivated and engaged—affirmations through nodding your head and listening to what is being asked and said. This also allows you to turn the information into questions.
6. Your body language is a form of communication, so, be mindful of this. For example, during a job interview, you'll want to use it to showcase your best professional self and your genuine personality - let's break this down.
7. Remember your posture. It is an unconscious level and impacts how you are perceived and heard.
8. How and where you place your hands - the best practice is resting on the table to avoid unnecessary fidgeting. At the same time, if it helps to use your hands to communicate effectively and genuinely, then do so.

Now that your interview is ending, your last impression is just as strong as your entrance. We can be our own worst critics, and the last thing you want is to showcase your disappointment. Instead, remember -

1. Finish with a firm handshake, smile and add a "thank you" for their time
2. Place the chair back before leaving the interview room. If your interviewer walks you to the lobby or elevator, keep your energy at the same level, and this also is an excellent time to ask general questions or make small talk.