A Guide to Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already completed the initial step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to gather information as well as in order to help you get out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer in the most objective way can be. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement on a project or task then you can use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task, but you can always 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 fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? 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?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you review the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is essential to think about the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if given the opportunity to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also 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 a complimentary quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
