Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are a great opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gather information as well as in order to help you come out of potential contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer using as much objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR it is necessary to describe the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult However, you can practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Are you looking rigid, aloof, 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 show openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to read the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will also be notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the end of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the job, should I be offered the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the position (or in a variety, when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us now for an free quotation or contact us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 270 643.
