Summer (not Winter) is coming! (with apologies to George R.R. Martin)

Simon Gressier • August 27, 2017

I stepped out earlier today for my mid-morning coffee break. The sky was hazy and there was a strong smell of smoke in the air. Clearly our firefighters are hard at work conducting back burning exercises across the surrounding Sydney bushland. Preparation/prevention is better than cure. An obvious truism but one not always followed in the world of job interviews.

Too often we receive feedback from both hiring managers and job seekers alike, suggesting that their counterparts in the interview process have not understood the importance of preparation. So, at the risk of stating the obvious, here are some simple tips for improving your interview outcomes.

The Hiring Manager

Good job seekers have multiple options in the job market and often need to be wooed. It is best to refresh your memory on a prospective employee’s work history prior to the interview…rather than in the middle of it.

Have a clear understanding of why a job seekers would want to join your organisation and more importantly your team. What’s in it for them?

The Job Seeker

Many pages of information have been written on this topic and I refer you to the people2people Interview Centre for a comprehensive coverage but, to summarise;

  • Know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there. Allow time for the unforseen.
  • Have relevant contact details in case you are going to be running late
  • Do your research – job, company, interviewer.
  • Why are you suitable for the role, why are you interested in the role?
  • Have you thought about the organisation, the position etc and prepared some thoughtful questions which reflect and display your interest.

Whether you are an employer or potential employee, a few moments spent in preparation will most certainly help prevent the angst of missing out.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Bianca Luck July 31, 2025
Across Australia and New Zealand, finance leaders are balancing automation, flexibility, and rising pay demands. In this joint update, Leanne Allen and Chris Yam share how stable teams, upskilling, and strategic roles are redefining accounting and finance for 2025.
By Liz Punshon July 28, 2025
Australia's labour market in 2025 is marked by rising applications, fewer job vacancies, and growing uncertainty for both employers and job seekers. While it may appear to be an employer's market, challenges like irrelevant applications and low candidate reliability persist. This update breaks down the state-level trends and strategic responses shaping recruitment.
By Aiden Boast July 24, 2025
With AI reshaping content and remote teams on the rise, the marketing world is in flux. In this update, Nicole Clarke explains how marketers can stay ahead by mastering new tools, preserving quality, and adapting quickly. Discover what it takes to lead in the age of automation.
By Bianca Luck July 21, 2025
The accounting and finance sector enters 2025 facing familiar challenges: talent shortages, growing expectations, and the push for system upgrades. With competition high, employers are rethinking training, contract hiring, and technology use. This update outlines where demand is strongest and how teams can adapt.
By Leanne Lazarus July 17, 2025
Rising expectations and shifting demographics are challenging HR teams to rethink how they support, engage, and retain staff. In this update, Adeline Rooney shares how Cancer Council Queensland is addressing these shifts through skills-based hiring, technology, and total rewards.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us