Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become an extremely nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of passing through to the next step in the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gather information, but also, since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why do us not choose you?" The key is to remain calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a challenge However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to convey? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should review the job description again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being realistic about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description, or if you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the jobif given the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the position (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you are expecting. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or to call us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
