Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most daunting aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be an extremely nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You have already made it through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your personal achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to elicit information, but also, in order to help you come out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses in the most objective way is possible. 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 evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your previous point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task then you can employ this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When using STAR, you must state the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a challenge however, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you display genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring about section), raise these at the end of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. 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. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive your free quotation or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 297 507.
