Steps to Interview Readiness
A major and frightening aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting acceptance and approval 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 professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most stressful parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on your resume, experience, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to gather information, but also, since they want to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response in the most objective way feasible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to consider include "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should we not choose you?" The key is to stay calm 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 reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. Then, add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the business. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if given the opportunity to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a no-cost quote or call us direct to speak with one our consultants at 1300 993 659.
