Prepping Effectively for Interviews
The most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve made it through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified that increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gather information, but also, since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer using as much objectivity feasible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to consider are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. In using STAR you will need to write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a daunting task but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you show sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, ensure that you read the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or if you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the jobif given the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.
