Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most frightening aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become one of the most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already made it through the first step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your profile, work history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of getting through to the next step in the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gather information, but also, because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer may be because of managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as is possible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should we not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a tall order however, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you go over the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume or if you have any questions not answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on in the present"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you are expecting. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for the free quotation or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 202 475.
