A Guide to Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to get information from you however, also because they want to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should you not hire you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular way. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task then you can employ the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a challenge but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, be sure to go over the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to review the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing 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 noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the jobif given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive your no-cost quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 03 9909 5130.
