Prepping Effectively for Interviews
The most frightening aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. It is a normal result of wanting the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to get information from you and information, but also in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning with as much objectivity as possible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why do we not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your previous point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task 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 often used when responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a tall order however, you can try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, you should read the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential client. However, showing your determination to improve your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job or if you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the jobif given the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today for your free quote or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 202 320.
