Interview Readiness Blueprint
One of the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become an extremely nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to elicit information however, also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement on a project or task, you may employ this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should review the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to think about the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to address your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you are expecting. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for a complimentary quote or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.