Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already passed the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified you increase your odds of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gather information and information, but also in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses in the most objective way possible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not hire you?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Then, add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the results.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, make sure you review the job description over again. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a prospect. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description, or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up after the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on in the present"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or on a list if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 02 8036 2428.
