Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
The most difficult aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your profile, work history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to gather information however, also since they want to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with the greatest objectivity possible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not take you on?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a task or project then you can use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. In using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a daunting task however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you read the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to consider the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if 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 aware of any other benefits and perks too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for the free quote or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 202 475.
