Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most daunting aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to showcase their abilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already been through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of getting through the next phase of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your personal achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information as well as because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on emotions or feelings and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should you not choose 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. Lead with your point and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. Then, add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR, you must state an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the Result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a tall order, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, make sure you go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for your free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.
