Steps to Interview Readiness
A major and daunting aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already made it through the first step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing concerns about presenting your own achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to get information from you as well as since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as is possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses that are based solely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not hire 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. Lead with your point and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained then return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task then you can utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the Result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult, but you can always 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 moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you review the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents, it is important to review the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
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, interviewers could 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 be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for a free quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 871 072.
