Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already been through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information however, also because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious questions and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response in the most objective way feasible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to stay calm 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 up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a project or task then you can employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to review the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to consider the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. 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 weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am offered the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the readiness to face 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 contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for an free quotation or call us direct to speak to one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
