Interview Tips

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key – we want you to do your best. It’s well worth spending some time before the interview learning more about our organisation, reviewing your CV and the job description, and thinking about how you might answer some typical questions.

Preparing for Your Interview It might all seem very obvious, but we know from experience that sometimes people forget the basics.

Please note we are currently conducting virtual interviews only.

Due to COVID-19, we are currently conducting virtual interviews only. With a little preparation, you can ensure this interview format allows you to shine.

Tips for Virtual Interviews

Set up your space. Have a clear and uncluttered background.
Test your technology before the interview. When the Central Bank invites you to interview, you will receive instructions on how to access the meeting. We will provide extra time in your interview to allow for any technical difficulties.
Ensure your computer or laptop is fully charged or plugged in to avoid your device losing power during the call.
Give yourself five minutes to access the interview before it starts. Prepare your device by closing all extra windows and tabs.
Look into your web camera, and not at your reflection. We recommend framing yourself in a way where you are not too far from the camera (no more than two feet). Make sure your head and the top of your shoulders fill the screen.
Relax! Remember that if a doorbell rings or something else unexpected happens, you will not be penalised. Keep calm. It is okay to ask for a moment to gather yourself if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed after a disruption. Mention to the panel at the start of the interview if there is a high chance of you being interrupted by something outside of your control.

Tips for In-Person Interviews

Research the location for the interview. Know where it is and how long it will take you to get there, allowing for traffic and parking.
Arrive about ten minutes early. It’s helpful to have time to settle and prepare yourself.
Review your CV in advance and ensure you are very clear on your own academic/work history, dates on your CV and key achievements.
Research our organisation to try and understand what we do so you can tell us how you can fit in and contribute.
Ensure you have read the role description in detail and can demonstrate your skills in line with the key accountabilities of the specific role.
Present yourself smartly. Your appearance should be neat and professional with suitable business attire.
Take your time with your answers. It’s ok to take a moment to gather your thoughts.
Ask some well thought-out questions at the end of the interview.
Relax and be yourself – it is you we want to get to know.
You can find more information in our Recruitment FAQ

We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities. If we can make any reasonable accommodations for you in the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to perform well, please let us know. Any information you provide will remain confidential.

Competency-based Interviews We use a competency-based interview model. To help you prepare for interview, have a look at our priority behaviours, which we expect our people to be able to demonstrate.

Know how to answer competency-based questions. These questions focus on finding specific skills that are important to a job. Think through your own experiences, in work or in other situations. Prepare real examples of situations where you had to show leadership, overcome challenges, demonstrate initiative, balance competing priorities, demonstrate analytical thinking or provide stakeholder support.

The STAR interview method is a technique you can use to prepare for behavioural and situational interview questions. STAR stands for: situation, task, action and result. This method will help you prepare clear and concise responses using real-life examples.

View our priority behaviours

Calm Your Nerves Anybody can be nervous at interviews, but there are some simple things you can do to stay calm and do the best interview you can.

Adapt the STOP Method

This simple strategy can make you feel focused, alert, relaxed and at your emotional best.
S – Stop what you are doing. Press the pause button on your thoughts and actions.
T – Take a few breaths to centre yourself and bring yourself fully into the present moment.
O – Observe what is going on with your Body, Emotion and Mind.
P – Proceed with whatever you are doing, making a conscious, intentional choice to incorporate what you have just learned.

It is normal to have nerves. Our interviewers will wait if you want to take a moment to remember your examples or take a glass of water.

Change Your “Self-talk”

When we are anxious, we tend to talk to ourselves, or think to ourselves, in very negative ways. These negative messages fuel our anxiety. The simple act of changing our thoughts can lead to a calmer body state. “I can’t think straight and I’m going to make a mess of this meeting” can be changed to “I am very capable and it’s going to be a really productive meeting.” The first message creates anxiety, the second one creates a calm and coping response. It is in your interviewer’s interest to build a rapport with you and get you to show yourself in your best light because they want to find the best person for the role.