Optimizing Your Interview Preparation

One of the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects of the hiring process.

It doesn’t have to be the case.

Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing through the next step of the selection process.

You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential 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 use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:

Get comfortable around tricky questions

Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gather information as well as since they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"

The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response with the greatest objectivity is possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers based on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.

Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to stay calm 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 provide a concise reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your original point.

If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task then you can utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When you use STAR, you must state a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.

It’s all in body language

Being natural in a stressful environment can be a tall order but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?

Think about your strengths and weaknesses

Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description over again. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weak points will be equally relevant.

Prepare questions

Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description or if you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:

"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the chance to work with members of your staff?"

"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"

"What are the chances to advance and further education?"

Be aware of your salary expectations

Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you anticipate earning. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary goals.

Inputting these steps into your purse is important to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.

To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for the complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.

Additional Information

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