Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most daunting aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be among the more stressful parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve made it through the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to get information from you and information, but also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to consider include "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ 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. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a task or project it is possible to employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR, you must state an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to review the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you are expecting. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive the free quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 08 9468 9176.
