Mastering Interview Readiness
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. It is a normal consequence of seeking approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into an extremely intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your resume, experience and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning in the most objective way can be. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ 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. Lead with your point and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a task or project it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be a challenge, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, make sure you review the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job or if you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if given the opportunity to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may 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 pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for the free quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 312 711.
