Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become an extremely intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes this increases your chances of passing to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to elicit information as well as since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as can be. This means removing emotional responses like answers based on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should you not employ you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to the point you made earlier.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a project or task then you can apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. When using STAR it is necessary to describe an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task however, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive 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 genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you go over the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions or if you have any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the best person for the job, should I be offered the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or on a list in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving a wide margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for the complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
