Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most frightening aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most stressful parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already made it through the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon your profile, work history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of getting through the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to get information from you, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity feasible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to the point you made earlier.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a challenge but it is possible to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) You can raise them during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for an free quotation or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 08 9468 9176.