A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most daunting aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances of passing to the next step in the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information, but also, since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses in the most objective way is possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should we not choose 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. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR you will need to write the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a daunting task, but you can always practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to consider the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions or you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for your free quotation or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 871 072.
