Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already made it through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds to be selected for the next stage of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your own achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to gain information however, also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project, you may use an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a challenge but it is possible to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the description of the position. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the position (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us now for an free quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our experts on 0800 024 129.
