Sending through your expressions of interest through an online job board may become a thing of the past in the retail industry as Australia is seeing one of its tightest jobs markets in nearly 50 years
With the unemployment rate at a record low of 3.5%, dozens of retailers are fighting to fill casual roles fast in the lead-up to the busy Christmas season. The call for staff comes amid an increasingly tight labour market, with the WA jobless rate now sitting at just 3.2 percent — the sixth month of near half-century lows. The previous low of 2.7 percent was in September 1974.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Dan Murphy’s is one of many retailers that are set to rapidly fill 2,200 of their positions across their 258 stores nationwide. Most of which have a minimum proposal of 20 hours per week and with the only requirement being 18 years or older.
The company says the on-the-spot interviews will take 10 minutes and are designed to cut out the traditional bureaucracy in the first stages of the hiring process and show the can-do culture at the stores.
From today until September 11, interested applicants can head to their nearest Dan Murphy’s store and be granted a 10-minute interview by simply expressing their interest to a team member. No need to hold a responsible service of alcohol certificate as the company is even offering to pay for training and the cost of acquiring RSA certifications to attract applicants to the role.
So…how to prepare and showcase how you are a good fit for the job
Treat an on-the-spot interview like a formal interview
On-the-spot interviews may seem more relaxed than a formal interview, but don’t act too cool and casual because in the end, the applicant will be representing the company at the first port of call.
To be safe, treat every conversation with an employer as a potential interview and act professionally, be friendly and most importantly respectful. First impressions count.
Prepare in advance
Plan by preparing your answers to common interview questions, just like you would for a formal interview. In an on-the-spot interview, you need to be comfortable talking about yourself. Preparing and practicing a short spiel about yourself can build confidence. Researching the employer and their business will also give you an edge.
