Interview Preparation Tactics
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your resume, experience, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to get information from you as well as because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses in the most objective way possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation on a project or task it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR it is necessary to describe an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be a daunting task, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should review the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and duties listed within to customize and modify your resume and other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description to clearly present yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to improve your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the jobif offered the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you are expecting. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive your free quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our experts on 02 7910 6323.
