Steps to Interview Readiness
A major and difficult aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve made it through the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information, but also, because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task, you may utilize this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How can I be 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 currently"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the position (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you anticipate earning. One important tip is to give a range of where you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today for your no-cost quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 871 072.
