Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be an extremely stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already made it through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information however, also since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not employ 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. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a particular project or task then you can apply this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a daunting task but it is possible to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you go over the job description again. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to consider the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Keep your range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today to receive an free quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 291 288.
