Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most stressful parts during the selection process.
It 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’ve made it through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of passing to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gather information and information, but also because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer in the most objective way feasible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers based on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do us not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a challenge, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to review the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today to receive a free quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our experts on 0800 215 100.
