Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
A major and frightening aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be one of the most intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve passed the first step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to get information from you and information, but also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer may be because of management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses in the most objective way feasible. This means removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly then return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a challenge but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you display genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or if you have any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) You can raise them after the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you are expecting. One important tip is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing 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 think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 185 218.
