Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become an extremely stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate upon your resume, experience and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gain information and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response in the most objective way is possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task it is possible to use an approach called the 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.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof 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 show openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, make sure you go over the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to review the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us now for a no-cost quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
