Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already made it through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds of passing the next step of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. It is important to practice to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to gain information as well as because they want to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses with the greatest objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why should you not choose you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement on a project or task it is possible to employ this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a daunting task, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to address your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the business. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or on a list if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you are expecting. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today to receive your free quote or to call us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
