Ready Yourself for Interviews
The most difficult aspects of the job search is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve been through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to gather information, but also, since they want to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or emotions and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not take you on?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a project or task it is possible to use an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a daunting task However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you review the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job or you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a free quotation or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
