Top Tips for Students Interviewing for Placements or Graduate Programs

Supporting the next generation of tech talent 

At Fenwick, supporting students isn’t a side project, it’s something we genuinely care about. We play an active role in helping university students across Australia step into placement and graduate roles, partnering with leading universities to nurture the next generation of professionals. 

In 2025, we expanded our university partnerships and placement opportunities to include Monash University, Deakin University, and University of Melbourne, alongside our existing partnership with Swinburne University of Technology. These collaborations complement our ongoing club sponsorship with the Technology Society at University of Technology Sydney, as well as our growing relationships with Women in Technology at QUT and University of Queensland Ladies in Technology in Brisbane. 

With so many opportunities to meet, mentor, and interview students, we’re often asked the same question: What actually makes a student stand out in an interview? So, we’ve pulled together some practical advice from the people who sit on the other side of the table. 

Many of our consultants are alumni themselves and remember exactly what it felt like to interview for their first “real” role, nerves and all.  

The good news? We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for potential. 

Top tips for student interviews 

In November 2025, Jack Zhang, a Lead Consultant at Fenwick and a Monash University alumnus, was part of the interview panel for our February 2026 intake of Monash placement students. We asked him to share his advice for students preparing for placement or graduate interviews. Here’s what he said: 

1. Make your résumé clear, concise, and measurable 

Your résumé should be easy to scan and focused on impact. Wherever possible, quantify what you’ve done: 

• Ran a fundraising event? How many people attended or how much money was raised? 
• Worked on an industry or university project? How long did it run, what was your role, and what was the outcome? 

Numbers and outcomes help interviewers quickly understand your contribution, especially when reviewing multiple applications. 

2. Show self-awareness and reflection 

Interviewers aren’t just interested in what went well, they want to understand how you learn. 

• What challenges did you face? 
• What did you learn from them? 
• What would you do differently next time? 

Being able to reflect shows maturity, adaptability, and growth, all critical traits in consulting and technology roles. 

3. Demonstrate curiosity and genuine interest 

It doesn’t need to be your life goal to become a technology consultant. What does matter is curiosity. We love it when candidates show genuine interest in the role! You can do this by taking the time to understand the role.  

Often times, your interviewer isn’t looking for the single most brilliant candidate, but someone willing to learn, and contribute to the team in a professional and positive manner. 

4. Arrive on time — not early, not late 

Plan ahead so you’re nearby and settled before your interview, but aim to arrive close to your scheduled time. Being late is a big no, but arriving too early can also be awkward for teams with tightly packed calendars. If you’re asked to wait until your allotted time, don’t take it personally, it’s completely normal. 

What else interviewers notice 

We also asked Sophie Blake, a Senior Consultant at Fenwick and frequent graduate interviewer, what she looks for when speaking with students. 

Technical skills matter, but they’re not everything. What really stands out is how students communicate – how they explain their thinking, ask questions, and respond when they don’t know something. 

We’re not expecting students to be experts. We’re looking for people who are coachable, open to feedback, and comfortable saying ‘I don’t know yet, but I’m keen to learn.’  

Often, we try coordinate interviews with students to fall on the same afternoon so there is an opportunity for students to interact with each other in a group setting. Students who are willing to make conversation and introduce themselves put themselves as an advantage, showing to interviewers they can have confidence even in a challenging situation.

– Sophie Blake, Senior Consultant at Fenwick

While technical foundations are important, especially in tech roles, they’re only part of the picture. Some of the qualities that consistently stand out include: 

• Clear communication and the ability to explain ideas simply
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback 
• Collaboration and teamwork 
• Professionalism, curiosity, and a positive attitude

These traits often matter more than ticking every technical box. 

Also remember to just be yourself. By the time you’re in an interview, the interviewers have already read your resume, transcript and cover letter. The interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your soft skills as well as introduce yourself as a unique individual. We love to hear about your hobbies and passions. 

Questions students should ask in an interview 

An interview is a two-way conversation. Asking thoughtful questions shows confidence and genuine interest. Some strong examples include: 

• What does success look like in the first 3–6 months of a placement or graduate role at Fenwick?
• How are students supported and mentored?
• What learning and development opportunities are available? 
• What does the pathway look like after a placement? 

Common interview mistakes we see 

A few recurring pitfalls that are easy to avoid: 

• Not researching the company at all 
• Giving overly rehearsed answers that don’t feel genuine 
• Talking about group projects without explaining your individual contribution 
• Struggling to reflect on challenges or mistakes

Preparation helps, but authenticity matters just as much. 

Final thoughts 

Interviewing can feel daunting, especially early in your career. It’s easy to assume you need to have everything figured out, but that’s not what placement and graduate interviews are about. 

At Fenwick, we’re looking for potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. If you can communicate clearly, reflect on your experiences, and show genuine interest in growing your skills, you’re already on the right track. 

We’re proud to support students at the start of their careers and look forward to continuing to invest in Australia’s future tech leaders.