Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
The most difficult aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become an extremely nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already made it through the first step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on your resume, experience and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to get information from you and information, but also in order to help you get out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you express your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity is possible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should you not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to the previous section.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR you will need to write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to your interview, ensure that you review the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to consider the job description to clearly present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or if you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"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 on a list in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today for your free quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.
