Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already been through the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your personal achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that 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 as well as because they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to this question may be because of managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer using as much objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why do we not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the final result.
The body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a tall order However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, make sure you go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume and other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to address your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or if you have any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the position (or on a list if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive the free quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 02 8036 2428.
