A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most frightening aspects of the job search is the interview stage. It is a normal result of wanting acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your profile, work history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to elicit information, but also, because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions like "Why do us not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the Result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be difficult, but you can always try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or on a list, if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. A good tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive an free quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
