Ready Yourself for Interviews
A major and intimidating aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become among the more intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified that increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to get information from you however, also because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your response with the greatest objectivity possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should be able to not choose 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. Lead with your point and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a tall order however, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, you should review the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to consider the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or within a set of options if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
