Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most difficult aspects of job searching is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their career or past successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already made it through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to elicit information however, also in order to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not hire 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. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Then, add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project it is possible to employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. When using STAR you will need to write the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a daunting task, but you can always practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to convey? Do you display sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, make sure you read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to think about the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description, or if you’ve got any questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if offered the chance to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you anticipate earning. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between 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 consider your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one our experts on 0800 024 129.
