Prepping Effectively for Interviews
A major and intimidating aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be among the more nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information however, also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with the greatest objectivity possible. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do we 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 with a brief reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to the previous section.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project it is possible to employ the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
The body language
Acting naturally in a difficult situation can be a challenge but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you read the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to consider the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to address your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume or if you’ve got any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, should I be offered the chance to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or on a list, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive an free quotation or to call us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 456 098.
