Prepping Effectively for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. It is a normal result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become an extremely stressful parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already made it through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your own achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to elicit information and information, but also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer using as much objectivity possible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like responses that are based solely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be a challenge however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and 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 applied the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to review the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing 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 typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the job, if I am offered the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today for the free quotation or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 694 635.
