Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already been through the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on your profile, work history and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to gain information and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as feasible. This includes removing emotional responses like responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do us not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly then return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task then you can apply the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR it is necessary to describe an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a challenge However, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should go over the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the opportunity to be part of the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for the complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 648 974.
