Prepping Effectively for Interviews
The most daunting aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their work or prior successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to showcase their abilities are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve passed the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate you increase your odds of passing the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to get information from you however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not employ you?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then provide a concise argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular way. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project 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 also usually used in responding to selection criteria. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a tall order however, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over the description of the position. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is essential to think about the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being realistic about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job, or if you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up 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 can I be the best person for the task, if given the chance to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today for an no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
