Prepping Effectively for Interviews
The most daunting aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most stressful parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already been through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and you getting a callback. The chance to show and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of passing through the next phase of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gather information as well as since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as responses based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do you not take you on?" 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 follow up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re 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 commonly used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a daunting task However, you can practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to read the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to address your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them during the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety, when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you expect to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us now for a free quote or call us direct to speak with one our consultants on 1300 820 847.
