Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you, but also, because they want to see how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose 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 then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to your original point.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a challenge however, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or if you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if given the opportunity to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for the free quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 08 7223 2328.
