Steps to Interview Readiness
The most daunting aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their work or prior achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
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 have already completed the initial step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the final 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 to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve 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 as well as in order to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do us not employ 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. Start with your statement and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project then you can apply this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you read the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is essential to look at the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ 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 your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or on a list, for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you expect to earn. One important tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive your free quotation or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
