A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most intimidating aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked to answer personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front If you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes you increase your odds of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gain information, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response in the most objective way can be. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not choose you?" 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. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a challenge, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, make sure you go over the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or on a list, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us now for your free quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 02 8036 2428.
