Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most intimidating aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes that increases your chances of passing the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to get information from you however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses with the greatest objectivity can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers based on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
If you’re asked to describe your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a challenge but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 202 320.
