Mastering Interview Readiness
One of the most frightening aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become among the more stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of passing the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to gather information, but also, because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity is possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not take you on?" 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. Start with your statement and follow up with a short argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you review the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to review the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you’ve got any questions not answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a free quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 03 9909 5130.
