Mastering Interview Readiness
The most intimidating aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their career or past successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already been through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes you increase your odds to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to gain information, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response in the most objective way possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions such as "Why should you not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your original point.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task, you may apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When using STAR you will need to write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to read the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is essential to consider the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume, or you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us today to receive your free quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 993 659.
