A Guide to Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing the next stage of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information, but also, because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
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 reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may apply this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the final result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over 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 as well as other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you have questions not answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, if I am given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for your no-cost quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
