Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the interview stage. It is a normal result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to showcase their abilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already passed the first step, with your resume making its way 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 entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing through the next step of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing concerns about presenting your personal achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gather information and information, but also because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer using as much objectivity possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should we not choose you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the previous section.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a project or task, you may use an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR you will need to write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the results.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task however, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is essential to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them after the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the jobif offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or within a set of options for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for a free quote or call us direct to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 312 711.
