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Koala

Thorough, considerate, loyal

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Job interview tips

Coping with change

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Preparing for a job interview - top tips for Koalas

The most repeated positive feedback for koalas following an interview is they are kind, calm, diligent and organised. The most repeated negative comments are they were too timid, modest, and quiet. What are interviewers likely to say about you? Here are some tips to help you do well in the interview.

As a naturally good listener you are likely to appear calm and polite throughout the interview. You will listen carefully to the question and answer it concisely. Do make sure you answer fully. If you are asked for an example to demonstrate you have a skill required for the post do not give a brief and self-effacing answer. Do include all relevant facts. Practice saying some of your answers with a friend to ensure you include all the relevant details. Do maintain eye contact. Look at the interviewer regularly.

As a naturally organised person you should be well prepared for the interview. You will be appropriately dressed, groomed, on-time, have researched the company and the role you have applied for and have a folder containing your qualifications and references if you have been requested to bring them along. You may have even rung up beforehand to find out how long the interview will be, how many people will be interviewing you and if there are extras like tests or group discussions. All this preparation will serve you well. Fewer surprises on the day will put you at ease and help you retain control and composure.

You may need to prepare for the unexpected. Have a plan if something happens you have not thought about. Perhaps be ready to take a deep breath and reset before you continue. Write a short list of the most important things you would like to say and some questions you could ask. Refer to this at the end of their questions or if you get stuck. Ask Do you mind if I look at my notes to make sure I do not miss out anything important? They are usually impressed with your thorough preparation.

As a naturally considerate and calm person you are likely to make a good impression with the people you meet before, during and after the interview. Use your natural skills to read the people and the situation to project a positive vibe.

Beware your tendency to see criticism where there may only be feedback being given, or an attempt to see how you react to a tough question. Stay focused and concentrate on providing clear answers. Do not get personal in your answers. The interviewer probably does not need to know what you did not like the people you used to work with.

Be careful not to be too modest about your achievements. You do need to showcase your best achievements and qualities in an interview.

If you dry up and are unable to think of an answer have a couple of prepared and rehearsed general answers about one of your proudest achievements. You could say that is a great question, I'm the sort of person who likes to think before giving an answer. That way I give a really good answer. For example, in my previous job we were asked in a meeting how to improve our service at reception. I gave my thoughts the next day and two of my suggestions were implemented.

Coping with change

As humans we are programmed to look out for danger and to avoid it. This helps us survive. We grow to like familiar things and prefer to avoid change. We can see change as a potential threat.  However, some change is inevitable and most change is not a threat, but we are programmed to be wary and suspicious of change which can cause stress and unhelpful patterns of thought. We have a big brain which can make us worry in a big way. Our personality has a huge influence on our response to change.

Does change affect you the way it does people who share your personality animal?

Koalas are naturally cautious

The benefit of caution is the ability to identify all the potential things that could go wrong. The disadvantage is it can be draining, exhausting and appear pessimistic. It can drift in to catastrophising behaviour. This means they are almost always experiencing low level background stress as their mind tots up potential problems. A solution is to spend some time identifying the best that could happen, three most likely outcomes and not just the worst. You can then plan actions to create one of the positive futures as well as ensure you will avoid disaster.

Balancing natural caution with learned optimism helps Koalas cope better with change.

Koalas can benefit from taking a little more time than other animals to digest, process and accept change

Give yourself space where you can think through the logic and implications of the change and identify steps to make it work for you. You will then be ready to tackle the issues and move toward the desired outcome, reassured that you have a plan in place.

Koalas are inclined to keep their thoughts and problems to themselves

Although admirable in some ways this approach can cause extra stress and upset. It can be useful to talk to a trusted colleague, friend or professional. Your mind may be going round in circles and a different perspective and input could help you see things in a more positive way. You do not have to face everything alone.