Guide to Interviewing at Nine

While interviews can be incredibly nerve-wracking, this is the occasion to show what your resume does not. It is the bridge between your resume and the job offer, so it’s an important opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and more importantly, your personality. As everyone says, preparation is key. If you have prepared, you have already increased your chances of acing the interview. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your interview at Nine.

1. Look us up!

Before heading into an interview, it’s crucial to thoroughly research us. A great place to start is our corporate website, nineforbrands.com.au. Understand our values and purpose, what we do, our brands, and who we are. Ensure you are digging deeper in the area you have applied for. For example, if you’re applying for a position in Radio, make sure you know the presenters. If it’s a role in Social Media, know our social channels. If it’s a role in Publishing, know the content and have a read of our articles. This knowledge not only demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment, but it shows to the hiring manager that you’ve done your research and it will give a positive impression.

2. Know your resume

Expect to be asked about your resume, including your work experience, skills, and achievements. Bring your resume to life by being prepared to provide specific examples that showcase what you’ve done in the past. Highlight your accomplishments and how they align with the job requirements. This shows to the hiring manager and the interview team that you can demonstrate what you have outlined in your resume (also showcasing your communication skills). This is the time to talk about your strengths and how your experience and who you are will add value to the team. 

3. Dress for success

Dress appropriately for an interview but make sure that you’re comfortable as well. You can’t do your best if you don’t feel your best. Your appearance should reflect your professionalism and respect for the interview process. At Nine, we have a smart casual dress code. If you’re unsure on what this means, ask your recruiter for clarification.

4. Practice makes perfect

Anticipate common interview questions and practice your responses. We highly recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers when discussing past experiences and accomplishments. This technique helps you provide concise and compelling responses. The best way to do this is to practice. 

5. Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills

Soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally (if not more) important than your technical skills. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate these qualities and how they’ve contributed to your success. If you are able to weave this in with your technical skills (whilst using the STAR method), you have already put yourself at an advantage.

6. Prepare questions

Not only is this an opportunity for the interview panel to see if you fit in their team, but you now have the opportunity to assess if Nine is the right fit for you. It’s more than likely that your opportunity to ask questions will be at the end of an interview. Come prepared with a few thoughtful questions for the interview team. This demonstrates your interest and engagement in the role and company culture. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through basic research. Interviews are a two-way street, make the most of it. 

7. Be punctual

Arrive at the interview location on time, or if it’s a virtual interview, log in a few minutes early. Punctuality is a sign of professionalism and reliability. It also allows you to start the interview on the right foot. Ensure you are not leaving anything to the last minute. If you have never been to the area where the office is located, aim to come 5-10 minutes early as this allows us to sign you in and gives you the opportunity to get settled. As always, if you’re having any trouble, your first point of contact will be your recruiter.

8. Learn from each experience

Whether you receive a job offer or not, each interview is a valuable learning experience. Reflect on what went well and what you could improve. The recruiter will be chatting to you about the hiring manager’s feedback and how you felt with the interview. Use this feedback and conversation to enhance your interview skills for future opportunities. 

If you were unsuccessful in the interview round, it’s important to remember that rejection is redirection. If you have made a good impression throughout the recruitment process to the recruiter and hiring manager (and vice versa), don’t close the door as there may be an opportunity in the future. 

Overall, there is no doubt interviews can be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can increase your chances. Remember that an interview is not just about showcasing your qualifications but also about demonstrating your fit with the company culture. By researching, practicing, and presenting yourself professionally, you will no doubt make a good impression at Nine. Good luck!