Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most daunting aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment 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 a good fit that increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to gather information however, also because they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your response with the greatest objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement on a project or task it is possible to utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an scenario,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 could be a tall order however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to convey? Do you show authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, you should go over the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today for your free quotation or phone us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 326 135.
