Ready Yourself for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of the job search is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes you increase your odds to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gather information as well as because they want to see how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to this question may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should you not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your original point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a task or project, you may employ this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a tall order However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to look at the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become the most suitable person for the jobif given the opportunity to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you are expecting. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for your free quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 02 8036 2428.
