Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and daunting aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely stressful parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already passed the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front If you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing the next phase of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to elicit information however, also since they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should you not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR you will need to write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the final result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a daunting task However, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description again. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to consider the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or if you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these after the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the most suitable person for the jobif offered the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for an no-cost quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 871 072.
