Mastering Interview Readiness
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and you getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing the next stage of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to gain information as well as because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should you not employ you?" The key is to remain calm 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 why you chose to respond in a specific way. Then, add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond the selection requirements. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary 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 number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one of our consultants at 0800 024 129.
