Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most frightening aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become an extremely intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already made it through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon your profile, work history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes you increase your odds of passing to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to elicit information however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer could be due to management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with as much objectivity as can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR you will need to write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to look at the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the position (or in a variety for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the free quotation or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
