Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and daunting aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval 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 successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You have already completed the initial step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to elicit information however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your response in the most objective way can be. This includes removing all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should we not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may employ the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR you will need to write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a challenge However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, make sure you review the job description again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to look at the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you have any questions not answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am offered the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us now for a no-cost quote or call us direct to speak with one of our consultants at 0800 024 129.
