Prepping Effectively for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. 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 further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as feasible. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should you not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly then return to the previous section.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task it is possible to use this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should review the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions or if you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today for an no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 995 142.
