A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most difficult aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. It is a normal result of wanting acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already completed the initial step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate you increase your odds to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to get information from you however, also because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses with as much objectivity as possible. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do we not employ you?" The key is to remain 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 up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Then, add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond the selection requirements. When using STAR it is necessary to describe an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a daunting task but it is possible to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them during the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 615 870.
