Steps to Interview Readiness
One of the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become one of the most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gather information as well as because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer using as much objectivity can be. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should us not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR, you must state the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, make sure you review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is essential to review the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospect. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you have any questions not answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the opportunity to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for your no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 0800 024 129.
