Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become an extremely intimidating parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds to be selected for the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to gain information however, also because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as is possible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why do we not take you on?" 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. Lead with your point and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the previous section.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. In using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be difficult but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, make sure you go over the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us now for an free quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants at 0800 215 100.
