Interview Preparation Tactics

Posted by Port Macquarie Resume on 6 Mar 2025

The most frightening aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts during the selection process.

This does not have to be the situation.

Interviews are the best way for the applicant to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already passed the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.

It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing potential employers.

Be comfortable with difficult questions.

Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to get information from you as well as in order to help you get out of potential contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"

The reason for this could be due to managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way that you express your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as feasible. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by factual evidence.

Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.

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 responded a certain manner. Next, provide details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your previous point.

If you’re asked to describe your involvement in a project or task it is possible to utilize the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.

It’s all in the body language

The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a tall order, but you can always try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?

Think about your strengths and weaknesses.

Before the interview, you should review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to think about the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.

Prepare questions

Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:

"How do I become an ideal candidate for the jobif offered the chance to join the team?"

"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"

"What are the chances to advance and further education?"

Know your salary expectations

The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or on a list, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.

The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.

For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive the no-cost quote or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.

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