Ready Yourself for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most stressful parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. 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 elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of getting through to the next step in the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to get information from you and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses with the greatest objectivity is possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do we not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
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 reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Then, add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project, 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 to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task however, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being open about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address 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 best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description, or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a no-cost quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
