Mastering Interview Readiness
A major and intimidating aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve completed the initial step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to gain information, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should us not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your original point.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project, you may employ the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be difficult, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, ensure that you review the description of the position. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to look at the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or if you have any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"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 on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or on a list in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today for an no-cost quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.
