Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become an extremely stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified, it boosts your chances to be selected for to the next step in the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to get information from you, but also, in order to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with the greatest objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not hire 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. Start with your statement and follow with a brief argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a project or task, you may employ the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR you will need to write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the results.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be a challenge but it is possible to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these during the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the best person for the task, if given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the position (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you anticipate earning. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today for a no-cost quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 986 051.
