Optimizing Your Interview Preparation

Posted by Manukau Resume on 20 Feb 2025

Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most stressful parts during the selection process.

It doesn’t have to be the case.

Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.

There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers:

Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.

Interviewers pose challenging questions mostly because they are trying to gain information and information, but also in order to help you get out of potential contentious issues and worries. 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 regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning in the most objective way feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in facts.

Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not hire 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 explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.

Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to employ to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.

It’s all in the body language

Acting naturally in a difficult situation can be a tall order, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?

Think about your strengths and weak points.

Before the interview, be sure to go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to think about the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will be just as relevant.

Prepare questions

Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer

"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"

"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"

"What are the chances for further development and training?"

Know your salary expectations

Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or on a list, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.

These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.

If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for your free quotation or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants at 0800 024 129.

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