Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and daunting aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to elicit information however, also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer to this question may be because of management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with the greatest objectivity can be. This means removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on emotions or feelings and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project then you can use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. In using STAR, you must state an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the description of the position. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is include a range that you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive an free quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 694 635.
