Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of job searching is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their career or past successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You have already been through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to elicit information however, also since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a project or task then you can apply this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR it is necessary to describe a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to consider the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job or you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive a free quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 189 376.
