Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve made it through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your profile, work history as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified you increase your odds of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your own achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gather information as well as because they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way that you formulate the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning using as much objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not hire you?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow up with a short argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. Add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR you will need to write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a daunting task, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, make sure you review the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to consider the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the job (or on a list, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you are expecting. A good tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive a complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one of our experts on 1300 291 283.
