Ready Yourself for Interviews
A major and intimidating aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the most stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already made it through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to get information from you as well as because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer using as much objectivity feasible. This means eliminating emotional responses like responses based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions like "Why do us not choose you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly then return to the previous section.
If you’re asked to describe your involvement in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a challenge however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved 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 show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and duties listed within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to look at the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them during the interview when the interviewer is encouraging 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 work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the position (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. A good tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary 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 you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us now for your free quotation or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 185 218.
