Ready Yourself for Interviews
A major and difficult aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. 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 career or past achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become an extremely nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information as well as in order to help you come out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement on a project or task it is possible to utilize the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, make sure you read the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to look at the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) You can raise them during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be offered the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the position (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate 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, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today for an complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
