Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most frightening aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already been through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts 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 concerns about presenting your accomplishments. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to get information from you however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not hire you?" The key is to stay calm 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 follow with a brief argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Then, add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement on a project or task then you can employ this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a daunting task However, you can learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, ensure that you review the description of the position. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to consider the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions or if you have questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for an free quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
