A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most difficult aspects of the job search is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their career or past achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already been through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate further on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to elicit information, but also, since they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as responses based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should we not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task then you can apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed within to customize and modify your resume and other document of selection, it is important to review the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to address your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or you have questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you expect to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive the no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 02 8036 2428.
