Mastering Interview Readiness
A major and frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve passed the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your personal achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to get information from you, but also, because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer but the way that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer using as much objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not take you on?" 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. Lead with your point and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project, you may use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
The body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you display genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you go over the job description over again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to look at the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be offered the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or on a list when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you expect to earn. One important tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
