Interview Preparation Tactics
One of the most difficult aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be an extremely nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve passed the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to gain information, but also, because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses using as much objectivity possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions such as "Why should be able to not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Then, add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project it is possible to use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you review the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is essential to review the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the job, if I am offered the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you are expecting. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today for a complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 648 974.
