Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and daunting aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already completed the initial step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information however, also because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your response in the most objective way possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or emotions and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not choose you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a challenge However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to consider the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to inquire for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume or if you’ve got any questions not answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them after the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or on a list if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us now for an free quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
