Interview Readiness Blueprint
A major and difficult aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their professional or previous successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become an extremely stressful parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through to the next step in the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to elicit information, but also, because they want to see you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not employ 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. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a tall order but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, you should read the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you are expecting. One important tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
