Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
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 approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on your profile, work history, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gather information, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as answers based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure 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 the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly then return to your previous point.
If you’re asked to describe your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a daunting task However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to convey? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, you should review the job description over again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to review the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description, or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the opportunity to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you anticipate earning. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 0800 215 100.
