Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most daunting aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gather information, but also, because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning using as much objectivity possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should we not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the previous section.
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 employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the final result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be difficult, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, you should review the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed within to customize and modify your resume and other document of selection, it is important to review the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job or you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if given the opportunity to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you are expecting. An important point to remember is to include a range that you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive your free quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants at 0800 024 129.
