Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
A major and daunting aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people 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 questions about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on your profile, work history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gain information, but also, because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This means eliminating emotional responses like responses based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should we not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. In using STAR, you must state a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the Result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description over again. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to review the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume or you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or 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 do I become the most suitable person for the jobif given the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for the complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
