Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already completed the initial step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to get information from you as well as because they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why should you 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. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to utilize the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR it is necessary to describe a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be a challenge however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you display genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, make sure you review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description, or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section) You can raise them at the end of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you anticipate earning. A good tip is to include a range that you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 326 135.
