Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most difficult aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve made it through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This chance to present and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing through the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to gain information and information, but also since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to this question may be because of managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your answer using as much objectivity is possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on feelings or emotions and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should you not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to use an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a challenge but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to convey? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to look at the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the task, if given the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today for your no-cost quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
