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Australia’s infrastructure sector is one of the fastest growing and most innovative industries in the country. In 2018, investment in Australia’s infrastructure sector reached a total of $380 billion and accounted for 9.8% of the country’s GDP

With these new infrastructure projects on the rise, there are job opportunities for first-time job seekers and skilled professionals. Many aspiring employees will apply for the same positions. Often, they’ll possess skills and work experience that are similar to yours. So, how can you stand out in the highly competitive hiring process? The answer is pretty simple - leave a great impression so the interviewers can remember you.

Midsection of a businessman shaking hands with a female interviewer in office

Creating an excellent impression on the interviewer makes them more willing to listen to you. At that point, you have the time to articulate your skills, work experience, and let them understand the value you can bring to their company. That way, you can stand out and increase the chance to get hired.

Tips to make a great impression in an interview

Recruitment experts say that, rightly or wrongly , subconsciously we make judgments on a person in the first few seconds of interaction. That’s why in an interview, the first 60 seconds are the crucial moments, and it starts right before you walk into the room and sit down. So, if you are competing against other interviewees who most likely have similar skills and industry experience as yours, you have to take every chance and present yourself in a good light.

At CGC, we understand that job interviews can be a nerve-racking event, particularly for first-time job hunters. In fact, even seasoned professionals can have this feeling when they transition to a new position or company. But don’t worry - you are not the only one who’ll experience the job-interview jitters. To help you out, we’ve prepared some useful tips to help you become more confident and employable. Here are five things you can do to improve confidence and make a great first impression:

1. Research the company

Take the time to know about the company. Start by browsing through their social media accounts. Check their Facebook or LinkedIn page so you’ll have an idea about their culture and how they work. This gives you a glimpse or overview of how you can position yourself and what you can contribute to the company. To guide you in your research, here are the three things you have to know about the company:

What are their Mission, Values and Culture?

Understanding these three aspects of a company gives you a general idea of how they work and go about their daily operations. You can usually find this information on the “About Us” or “Our Story” section of their website.

Who are their Clients? What are their Projects? 

Research on the company’s clients and projects can help you with more innovative answers on how you can add value to the company. By knowing this information, you can confidently tailor your answers in a way that is unique and relevant to the required position. Search their current or previous projects by browsing through their LinkedIn page or by exploring their website.

Recent Achievements and industry news

Knowing about the company’s achievements and industry news will show the interviewer that you’re interested in the company and you want to contribute to their success. Showing your interest also gives the impression that you are easy to work and get along with. At the same time, being knowledgeable about the industry’s trends shows that you are always looking for ways to improve your skills. 

To find the company’s achievements and industry trends, you can check it on their website’s media or news pages. Google News is also a great place to check the latest news in the infrastructure industry.

2. Wear the proper attire

Your first 60 seconds are the most crucial point in making a great impression. To make the most out of this very short time, wear proper clothing and observe good hygiene. The general rule of thumb is to wear freshly ironed and stain-free clothes. 

For women, you have choices between a suit jacket or a button-down blouse, pencil skirt or slacks, closed flat shoes or heels. And for men, a corporate attire consists of a suit jacket, business shirt with a tie, slacks and dress shoes. By wearing the appropriate attire and having a polished look, you can create a positive impression on your interviewer.

3. Bring only the necessary things

Make sure to bring a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV). If you have a portfolio of your previous work, bring it with you so you can discuss it during the interview. Other things you should also bring are notepad and pen.

Bringing copies of your CV and portfolio gives your interviewers an impression that you are organised and prepared. Over the course of your interview, you can discuss specific skill sets in your CV or portfolio to show them the value you can bring to their company.

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4. Be polite and respectful

It goes without saying to be respectful and polite towards everyone you meet. From staff to managers, being respectful with everyone shows that you are likable. Arrive at least 10 minutes early before your schedule. During the interview, address the interviewers and establish eye contact with the person who asked the question. This shows that you acknowledge their presence and make them feel important.

5. Handle tricky questions professionally

Most interviewers test out how you think on the spot by throwing in some challenging questions. So, if you want to turn the events in your favour, stay calm and don’t feel pressured to answer immediately. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts, and if necessary, you can ask the interviewer for clarifications. In this manner, you are displaying confidence and level-headedness in unexpected situations which leaves a positive impression on the interviewers. 

Job seekers are called for an interview once the recruiter sees that the skills fit the job description. And in a situation where you compete with others who have similar skills, qualities and experience to yours, you need to show how you can stand out and be a valuable addition to the company.

Find jobs in the infrastructure sector

Investment projects are on the rise in Australia’s infrastructure industry. This opens job opportunities for entry-level workers and skilled professionals to start a career in one of the country’s growing sectors.

If you want to know more about the opportunities in infrastructure, it pays to seek the help of recruitment professionals such as CGC. We have the expertise to help you find a job that elevates your career potential.

We can help you position yourself as an excellent candidate for topflight companies in many areas of infrastructure and construction. Contact CGC Recruitment today.

References

Sources of information are vast for job seekers. At CGC, we source out relevant articles to bring you the latest tips and updates on your next job search. Below are some of the curated resources which you may find worth reading as well:

  • How to Prepare for a Job Interview, OpenColleges.edu.au
  • An HR expert has shared her top interview tips — and what will ruin your chances immediately, News.com.au
  • 5 Job Interview Preparation Tips To Help You Stand Out, OpenColleges.edu.au