A Guide to Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become among the more nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already passed the first step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your own achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to get information from you, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
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 the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your response using as much objectivity possible. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why do we not choose you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to the point you made earlier.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to apply the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When using STAR you will need to write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the results.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, make sure you review the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is essential to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to improve your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you have any questions not answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) You can raise them during the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or within a set of options, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you are expecting. A good tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for an free quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 456 098.
