Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them The interview process has evolved into an extremely intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of passing through the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information however, also because they want to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer using as much objectivity feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should you not choose you?" 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. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task it is possible to utilize the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR you will need to write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a tall order however, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in 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 noticed something you like within the description of your job, or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or their general hiring page About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us now for your no-cost quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
