Interview Readiness Blueprint
The most difficult aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information however, also because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response with the greatest objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project then you can use an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a daunting task However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should review the job description over again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to think about the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
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 will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive a no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 993 659.
