Ready Yourself for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate you increase your odds of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to elicit information, but also, since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you express your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers based on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement on a project or task, you may employ to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. In using STAR it is necessary to describe an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a daunting task, but you can always try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you review the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will also be notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume, or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page 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 do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if offered the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for an free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 185 218.
