Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become among the more nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to showcase their abilities are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve been through the first step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your profile, work history, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information and information, but also in order to help you come out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning in the most objective way possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to consider include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not choose you?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow up with a short argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your original point.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. In using STAR you will need to write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge however, you can practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection, it is important to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them during the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or on a list in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact, fixed amount. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider 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 courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today to receive your complimentary quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 993 659.
