Interview Readiness Blueprint
A major and intimidating aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already passed the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your personal achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to get information from you, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with as much objectivity as feasible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a project or task, you may 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. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, you should review the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to improve your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions or if you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you are expecting. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us now for your no-cost quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
