Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be among the more nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes you increase your odds of passing to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information, but also, since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question may be because of management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should we not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR, you must state the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you display sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, be sure to read the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is essential to think about the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the job, should I be given the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the job (or in a variety for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you are expecting. 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. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for an complimentary quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 185 218.
