A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most difficult aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already been through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to get information from you as well as because they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses in the most objective way feasible. This means removing emotional responses like responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions that are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose 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 follow up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task it is possible to use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. In using STAR you will need to write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to make? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, ensure that you go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description to clearly present yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the business. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or if you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the best person for the jobif given the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive the no-cost quote or to call us directly to speak with one our experts on 08 9468 9176.
