Interview Preparation Tactics
The most daunting aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions Interviews have become an extremely intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already passed the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate you increase your odds of passing the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information however, also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity can be. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly then return to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a daunting task however, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over the job description again. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to look at the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for an free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 202 475.
