How to Ace a Job Interview

August 8, 2024

Preparing for a job interview in these rapidly changing times involves more than just reviewing the job description and researching the company.


It involves greater preparation, being aware of what to expect in any interview format and becoming adept with new technology.


Have no fear – armed with this guide, you can ace every step of the interview process and take confident strides towards landing your dream job.


BEFORE THE INTERVIEW


Know your resume.
 Go over your resume before your interview to refresh your memory of what you included.


Know what you want. Be clear on your career goals, the kind of mission or vision you connect with and your non-negotiable conditions.


Review your online presence. Make sure the content and photos on your Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram profiles are appropriate for future employers. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and showcases your skills and experience.


Research the business. Dig into the company’s website and social media pages for some insight into their culture, mission, values, achievements and current projects. As these will likely frame interview questions, you can tailor your responses to showcase how you align with the role and company.


Prepare your story. Prepare a succinct ‘elevator pitch’ where you describe who you are, your strengths and weaknesses and what you can bring to a new role to make this easier for you and prevent rambling.


Dress appropriately. You’re not only representing yourself, but also how you would represent the potential employer, so it’s important to make a positive impression. Businesses have a wide variety of dress codes so until you are familiar with them, it’s best to dress up than dress down.


Practice interviewing with AI. There are multiple free online tools such as ChatGPT and Final Round AI that can give you a mock interview. Simply input information about the position, company and job description along with your resume, and you’ll be asked questions you’re likely to receive in a real-life interview which you can answer via type and request feedback.

Prepare for a video interview. Dial in 10 minutes early to check video and audio settings and blur your background or select a suitable background image. Know how to mute, share your screen and use the chat function in case you need it and have a quiet, uninterrupted place to sit. If you need to be in your car (or other less-than-ideal place while on your lunch break!), flag this in advance with the recruiter and interviewer.


DURING THE INTERVIEW

Be punctual and organised. Know the exact date, time, location, what you need to bring and details of who you are meeting with, including a name and contact number in case something unexpected happens. Arrive early (no more than 15 mins) to show eagerness, responsibility, and a genuine interest in the position.


Bring hard copies of your resume and cover letter. Although it’s likely your interviewer will have a hard copy if they require one, bringing your own shows preparation.


Be engaged. Use a positive tone of voice, give your full attention with eye contact and limit note taking. Avoid slouching and fidgeting.


Highlight achievements, not just skills. Highlight real-life examples showcasing your skillset and speak to your accomplishments with data and metrics whenever possible.


Showcase industry expertise. Research the sector or industry you have applied to and be ready to share relevant articles, news or data to show your passion, knowledge, and ability to stay informed.


Ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in the company, role, and team. This showcases initiative and engagement.


AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Ask for next steps. Ask for the next steps in the interview process and when they expect to make a decision. This shows that you are interested in the role and can help you stay patient through the days (or weeks) following your interview and help you gauge when to follow up.


Send a thank-you. Leave a lasting impression with a personalised thank you. You could also recap why you’re a good fit for the role or add something if you have thought of a better answer to one of the interview questions.


Take time for self-reflection. Review your interview experience to reflect on what you did well during the conversation and ways to improve for the next one.


Check in again (if necessary). If needed, send a gentle follow-up email with a note reaffirming your interest and asking if there were any new developments. Remember to be patient – persistent follow-ups could be considered too keen.


For more support ahead of your next interview, reach out to the experienced Edge Recruitment team – we’re always here to help you prepare and put your best foot forward to reach your goals.

By Corrin Corrin July 1, 2025
For employers and candidates, the FY25 hiring landscape presents a mix of opportunity and challenge — and demand is rising across the industry.
By Corrin Corrin June 24, 2025
The end of the financial year is a busy time across South Australia’s property and real estate industry — not just for accountants and agencies reviewing the books, but also for professionals reassessing their career direction. Whether you’re in sales, property management, leasing, or support, July often marks a fresh start . And if you've been considering a career move, there are some compelling reasons why right now might be the best time to take action . 1. New Budgets Mean New Hires At the start of a new financial year, most property and real estate businesses reset their annual budgets. That means: New headcount is approved Growth targets are locked in Teams that were stretched thin during the past year are finally given the green light to hire For job seekers, this creates a surge in demand for talent — particularly for roles in sales, business development, and property management where revenue growth is key. Agencies are also more likely to invest in onboarding, training, and marketing new staff now, rather than mid-year or during the Christmas slowdown. 2. Performance Reviews Are a Catalyst for Change EOFY is traditionally when many employees receive formal performance reviews and commission payouts. While positive reviews can lead to promotions or salary increases, for others, this period can shine a spotlight on: Unmet expectations Lack of progression opportunities Underappreciation or under-compensation If you’ve walked away from your review feeling deflated, that’s a clear sign it may be time to explore new opportunities — particularly if your current role no longer aligns with your long-term goals. 3. The Spring Property Market Is Coming — Get In Early We all know that spring is one of the busiest times of year for the property market, and smart candidates position themselves well in advance. If you start your job search in July: You have time to transition into a new role You can complete onboarding and training You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when market activity spikes in September Waiting until spring often means you’ll be competing with more candidates for fewer roles, with less lead-in time to settle into your new environment. 4. Candidate Supply Is Still Tight — Leverage That Advantage Across South Australia, we’re still seeing a shortage of experienced candidates in many parts of the property and real estate industry. Sales agents, property managers, and leasing consultants with proven track records are in high demand — and employers are increasingly willing to offer: Competitive salary and commission structures Flexible working arrangements Stronger professional development pathways If you’ve got the experience and drive, now is the time to negotiate from a position of strength. 5. Clarity and Momentum Matter There’s something about July that naturally invites people to reset. The first half of the year is behind you, and there’s still time to make big career moves before the year is out. Whether you’ve outgrown your current role, want to break into a new segment of the industry, or are just feeling burnt out — making a change now can give you the clarity and momentum you need. HOT TIP: Don’t Wait for “The Perfect Time” Many people stay in roles longer than they should because they’re waiting for the “right moment.” But as with most facets of the property and real estate industry — timing is everything . With budgets resetting, hiring activity on the rise, and the spring market just around the corner, EOFY is the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Ready to Make Your Move? Edge Recruitment specialises in connecting property and real estate professionals with the right roles across South Australia. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to explore what’s out there, our team is here to help. Get in touch for a confidential chat — your next role could be just around the corner.
By Corrin Corrin June 17, 2025
Each year, we ask employees what matters most. The 2025 data shows priorities continue to evolve. For employers, the message is clear: it’s not just about offering more—it’s about offering what matters most.
By Corrin Corrin June 5, 2025
New data from people2people recruitment shows younger Australians don't believe they'll ever retire. We break down what this research means for property professionals in SA.
By Corrin Corrin June 5, 2025
In a recent live stream conversation, Peta Seaman and Deanne Goodwin, a senior property professional shared the current trends shaping the property recruitment landscape in 2025.
By Corrin Corrin June 3, 2025
See all the pictures from Edge's 2025 Women in Property morning tea that brought together women from across the property industry to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
By Corrin Corrin May 20, 2025
In the latest edition of Edge Recruitment’s The Property Edge market update, Peta Seaman & Taryn Widdows explore the benefits of temping for both employers and job seekers.
By Corrin Corrin May 12, 2025
If your recruitment process is slow, unclear, or overly complicated, you could be handing great talent to your competitors. So how can you streamline your process without sacrificing quality?
By Corrin Corrin May 8, 2025
We've put together some practical strategies you can implement to reduce these pain points and increase your odds of hiring the right person—every time.
By Corrin Corrin April 28, 2025
We know what you’re thinking…“Shouldn’t I sell myself as much as I can in an interview?” Yes. But here’s the catch: you should sell your authentic self—not an exaggerated version of you.
More Posts