Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. It is a normal consequence of seeking approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information and information, but also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way that you express your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response with the greatest objectivity can be. This includes removing any emotional responses such as responses based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why do you not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly then return to your original point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a task or project then you can employ this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When using STAR, you must state the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job or you have questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if given the opportunity to join the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for an free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 192 621.
