Mastering Interview Readiness
One of the most difficult aspects of the job search is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to get information from you, but also, since they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your original point.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a project or task then you can utilize this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a tall order however, you can practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to review the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the task, if offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you anticipate earning. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for your free quotation or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 312 711.
