A Guide to Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already completed the initial step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This chance 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 you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gather information, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as can be. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as responses based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us not employ you?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then provide a concise argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement on a project or task, you may apply the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult however, you can try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, make sure you read the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being open about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to inquire for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for the free quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 993 659.
