Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of passing through the next step of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to gather information as well as because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as responses based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not choose 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 follow up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR, you must state an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the final result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you display sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should go over the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is essential to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position 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 through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be offered the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for your free quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 993 659.
