Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
One of the most daunting aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into among the more nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve made it through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer you’re qualified, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key 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 future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to get information from you as well as because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic 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 thoroughly explained then return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a project or task it is possible to apply this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When using STAR it is necessary to describe the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order However, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, be sure to read the job description over again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions or if you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you anticipate earning. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 993 659.
