Interview Preparation Tactics
A major and intimidating aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions Interviews have become an extremely intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to elicit information however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your response using as much objectivity possible. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or emotions and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why do we not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Then, add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your original point.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR it is necessary to describe an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should read the job description again. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to look at the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or you have questions not answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the jobif given the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive your no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 456 098.
