Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most daunting aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances of getting through the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your achievements. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses with the greatest objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should we not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure 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. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When using STAR you will need to write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a tall order However, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, ensure that you review the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the job (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you expect to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for the no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 694 635.
