Interview Preparation Tactics
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve made it through the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information however, also because they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should you not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
If you’re asked to describe your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a daunting task, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, ensure that you go over the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or their general hiring page About section), raise these at the end of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the position (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one of our consultants at 0800 024 129.
