How to prepare for an audition-style job interview

Audition-style interviews are more common overseas, but their use is increasing locally as interviewers use them to learn more about their job candidates.

In an audition-style interview your interviewer might ask you to do a role play or give a presentation.

Employers sometimes like to try new things to get a better idea about a job seeker’s true skills and abilities.

In audition-style interviews, employers often ask questions during the interview to find out if you can:

• work under stress and time pressure
• make quick decisions
• explain or justify your thoughts and decisions
• solve problems and challenges.

Behavioural interviews are more common, but candidates can rehearse answers to the questions they expect to be asked.

Some job seekers prefer audition-style interviews to other types because they:

• can show their abilities
• get nervous trying to impress in behavioural interviews.

Ask the interviewer if your interview will have an audition-style section – they’ll want you to be ready to show what you can do.

If the interview will be audition-style, review your skills and think about how you might be asked to show them.

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Sources

• Burgess, M, ‘Are Audition-Style Interviews the Next Big Thing? (and How to Prepare For One)’, accessed June 2019, (www.seek.co.nz).
• Falter, F, consultant – marketing and communications, Randstad New Zealand, careers.govt.nz interview, June 2019.
• Technical Job Search, ‘Audition interview’, accessed June 2019, (www.technicaljobsearch.com).
• Wilmott, N, ‘Tips for Different Types of Interviews’, accessed June 2019, (www.thebalancecareers.com).