Mastering Interview Readiness
One of the most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their professional or previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already been through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to get information from you, but also, since they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave 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. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity possible. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not take you on?" 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. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task then you can utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR you will need to write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a tall order however, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to consider the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them during the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our experts on 0800 215 100.
