Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
The most daunting aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their work or prior successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve been through the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to elicit information as well as since they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The reason for this may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as responses based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do we not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
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 why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly then return to your original point.
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 also usually used in responding to selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a daunting task However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to make? Do you display genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to read the job description again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to review the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful 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 be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job application or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if given the opportunity to be part of the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the position (or on a list in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive your complimentary quote or call us direct to speak to one of our experts on 1300 291 283.
