Prepping Effectively for Interviews
One of the most daunting aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become among the more intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve made it through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your profile, work history, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your personal achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information as well as because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should we not take you on?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the Result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be difficult but it is possible to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to review the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to review the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the job, should I be given the chance to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the job (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to include a range that you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today for an free quotation or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 185 218.