Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most frightening aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You have already passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to elicit information as well as because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to 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 an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses in the most objective way is possible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
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 note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. Then, add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task then you can utilize the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the final result.
The body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to improve your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of 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 seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for the free quotation or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
