Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve made it through the first step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to gather information and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as is possible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a task or project it is possible to use an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the final result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, make sure you read the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to consider the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will be just as important.
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 is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How can I be the best person for the task, if given the opportunity to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the job (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive a free quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 192 621.
