Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most frightening aspects of the job search is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information as well as in order to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means eliminating emotional responses like responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your previous point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a project or task then you can utilize this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, you should read the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is essential to consider the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you have any questions not answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, if I am offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you expect to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for the free quotation or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 694 635.
