If you put in the work to produce a quality job application, then your job interview preparation should be a breeze. So what does a quality application look like, and how does that help you prepare for an interview?
Researching the organisation and role
Research should be done as part of your job application. You can research online and call to ask any questions you might have. Your knowledge of the role and organisation should then be conveyed in your cover letter, along with the answer to 'why do you want this job'.
Once you get the interview:
turn this knowledge into questions that you can ask the panel.
nail the question 'why do you want this job' based on your cover letter response.
use your research to influence how you answer certain questions, based on what you think they are looking for in the role.
Responding to the job selection criteria
Even if the job application doesn't specifically ask you to respond to the selection criteria, you need to ensure your cover letter clearly explains how you meet each one. The achievements that you list in your CV should also give examples of how you meet the criteria, using the 'Problem, Action, Result' method.
Once you get the interview:
For each selection criteria make sure you have an example from your current or prior workplace/s that shows how you have skills in this area. These examples can be the same ones you used in your CV, cover letter or in your response to the Key Selection Criteria.
However, it's good to have a couple of new examples too, so prepare a few others using the same 'Problem, Action, Result' method.
Curly questions
Your cover letter and CV profile might have addressed some of the curly questions an interviewer may ask, such as why you are heading in a different career direction.
However, once you get the interview:
you'll also need to plan ahead for questions that might be tricky for you to answer, such as 'why are you leaving/did you leave your last job', any perceived skills gaps and any gaps in employment.
Preparation
Putting the effort into your initial application should reduce the amount of work required for interview preparation. However, you will still need to practice, practice, practice to ensure you come across as confident in the interview, and don't stumble on any unexpected questions.