Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the most intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to get information from you as well as in order to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer in the most objective way possible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not take you on?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project, you may use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the Result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be a tall order 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 fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to look at the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description, or you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for your free quote or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.
