Ready Yourself for Interviews
A major and daunting aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions, the interview has become among the more intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain 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 resigning from your current position?"
The answer may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you express the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as answers based on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should you not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task it is possible to use an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, you should go over the job description again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you have any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them at the end 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 the most qualified person for this jobif given the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you expect to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for your free quotation or phone us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 202 320.
