A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most daunting aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their work or prior achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into among the more stressful parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to get information from you as well as since they want to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer using as much objectivity can be. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task, you may use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR you will need to write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the Result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be a challenge However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should go over the job description over again. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to look at the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job, or you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other benefits and perks in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our experts on 02 7910 6323.
