Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely stressful parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gather information and information, but also because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer, however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with as much objectivity as possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should we not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order but it is possible to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to consider the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or if you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if given the opportunity to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 871 072.
