A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions that are personal to them The interview process has evolved into an extremely intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already been through the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to gather information, but also, because they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with the greatest objectivity is possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to remain 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 up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain way. Then, add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR you will need to write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, make sure you review the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to think about the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the jobif given the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you expect to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive a complimentary quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 312 711.
