A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit you increase your odds of getting through the next phase of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to get information from you as well as because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your response with the greatest objectivity possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire 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. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. When using STAR it is necessary to describe a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a tall order however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to make? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the description of the position. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is essential to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest about the job 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 you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section), raise these during the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or on a list, if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to include a range that you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a free quote or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 615 870.
