Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most daunting aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their work or prior successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate you increase your odds of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your own achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do we not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. Add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task then you can utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. When you use STAR, you must state an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to make? Do you display authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, if I am offered the chance to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today for an free quotation or to call us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 326 135.
