Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
One of the most frightening aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the most intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve made it through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gather information as well as in order to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as possible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation on a project or task, you may apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the final result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you’ve got any questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the best person for the jobif given the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one our experts on 02 7910 6323.
