A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you and information, but also because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like responses based on feelings or emotions and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. When using STAR, you must state the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to go over the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to consider the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"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 position (or on a list, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today for your no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 202 475.
