Ready Yourself for Interviews
The most difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most intimidating parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You have already been through the first step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified that increases your chances of passing the next stage of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to get information from you however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", 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. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a project or task, you may use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to review the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to review the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or the general page for hiring about section), raise these during the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the opportunities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive the complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one our consultants at 1300 291 293.
