Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be among the more stressful parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to get information from you however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why should you 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 then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a project or task then you can apply this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR you will need to write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a challenge however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to go over the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to consider the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be offered the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary 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, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today for an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
