Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions, the interview has become an extremely nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your own achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to gain information however, also since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to consider include "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a task or project it is possible to employ the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be difficult however, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, you should go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or the general page for hiring about section), raise these at the end of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the position (or on a list when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact, fixed amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive the free quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 202 475.
