Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them The interview process has evolved into one of the most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You have already been through the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to gather information however, also in order to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" 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. Lead with your point and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement on a project or task it is possible to employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. If you are using STAR, you must state the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be difficult but it is possible to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, you should read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to consider the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How can I be the most suitable person for the jobif given the opportunity to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you are expecting. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today to receive an free quote or to call us directly to speak with one our experts on 0800 024 129.
