Ready Yourself for Interviews
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become among the more stressful parts during the selection process.
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 by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate upon your profile, work history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next stage of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information, but also, because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task then you can utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. When using STAR it is necessary to describe the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a challenge However, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you display genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif offered the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive an free quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 291 283.
