Prepping Effectively for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve made it through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to elicit information as well as because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning in the most objective way is possible. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why do we not take you on?" 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. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task it is possible to use an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond the selection requirements. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, make sure you read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is essential to review the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which can be found in the job application or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or on a list when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 297 507.
