Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
One of the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to gain information as well as since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer in the most objective way feasible. This includes removing emotional responses like responses based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should be able to not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project then you can utilize this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a challenge however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, you should go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to think about the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job, or if you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be offered the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the position (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you are expecting. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive your free quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 202 475.
