Steps to Interview Readiness
One of the most daunting aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information, but also, since they want to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses in the most objective way can be. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should you not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then follow it 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’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project, you may use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be difficult but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, make sure you go over the description of the position. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description 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
"How can I be the best person for the job, should I be given the chance to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 615 870.
