Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve passed the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your resume, experience as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate you increase your odds of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to get information from you as well as since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity can be. This means removing any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ 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. Start with your statement and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task then you can apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state a 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 stressful situation could be difficult However, you can practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, ensure that you go over the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the position (or on a list when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive the free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 631 916.
