Interview Readiness Blueprint
One of the most frightening aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve passed the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to elicit information, but also, since they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning in the most objective way can be. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement on a project or task it is possible to use 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. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if offered the chance to join your team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the opportunities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options, in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you expect to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set 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 are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today for your no-cost quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 993 659.
