Interview Readiness Blueprint
One of the most frightening aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve been through the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on your profile, work history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your personal achievements. It is important to practice to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gather information and information, but also in order to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating emotional responses like responses that are based solely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the Result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be difficult, but you can always practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection, it is important to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section), raise these after the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for an complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one our experts on 0800 215 100.
