A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and 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, in part, to gather information however, also in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as answers based on feelings or emotions and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a project or task it is possible to utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. When using STAR it is necessary to describe a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a tall order However, you can learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to convey? Do you display genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, you should go over the job description over again. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the jobif given the opportunity to work with you and your colleagues?"
"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 if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for an no-cost quote or call us direct to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 993 659.
