Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
A major and difficult aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve completed the initial step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified you increase your odds of getting through the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gather information, but also, since they want to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity can be. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a project or task then you can utilize this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR you will need to write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, make sure you go over the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How can I be the best person for the jobif offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us today for an free quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
