Interview Readiness Blueprint
A major and difficult aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your profile, work history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to elicit information as well as because they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses in the most objective way possible. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do us not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. When using STAR it is necessary to describe an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order However, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection, it is important to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, if I am given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you expect to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us now for a no-cost quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 093 809.
