Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become an extremely intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve made it through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your achievements. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gain information however, also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why should we not hire 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. Start with your statement and follow up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task then you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When using STAR you will need to write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the final result.
The body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult, but you can always practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, you should review the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents, it is important to review the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume, or if you have any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or their general hiring page about section), raise these during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one our consultants at 03 9909 5130.
