Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve made it through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to get information from you, but also, in order to help you come out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer in the most objective way can be. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why do we not employ 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 then provide a concise argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular way. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement on a project or task, you may use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. In using STAR you will need to write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a tall order but it is possible to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the free quotation or call us direct to speak with one our experts on 1300 202 475.
