Ready Yourself for Interviews
A major and intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions, the interview has become among the more intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already completed the initial step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information as well as because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose you?" The key is to remain calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project then you can use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a challenge but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, make sure you review the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used 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 to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to improve your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to inquire for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if given the opportunity to be part of the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (or on a list, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you are expecting. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for a no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 648 974.
