Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most daunting aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already been through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing the next stage of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gain information, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not hire you?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
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 note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. Next, provide 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 in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section), raise these during the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the job, should I be offered the chance to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you are expecting. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive your no-cost quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 648 974.
