A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around 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 potential contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to the question could be due to managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not take you on?" 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. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly then return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When using STAR, you must state a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task However, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, you should read the job description again. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to review the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description, or if you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Bring them up during the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. 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 set number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today for a no-cost quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 093 809.
