Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
The most difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. It is a normal consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become an extremely stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve made it through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified you increase your odds of passing the next stage of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you as well as since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer but the way that you express your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning using as much objectivity can be. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why should we not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project, you may employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. When you use STAR, you must state a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the Result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a daunting task However, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description to clearly present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the company. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description, or you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which can be found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you are expecting. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive an free quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants at 03 8779 2533.
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