Ready Yourself for Interviews
One of the most daunting aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their work or prior successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes you increase your odds of passing the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to get information from you however, also because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with as much objectivity as possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not choose you?" The key is to not lose composure and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize 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. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a daunting task However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to convey? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or you have questions not answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which can be found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the job, should I be given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive a no-cost quote or to call us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 320.
