A Guide to Interview Preparation
A major and intimidating aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate on your resume, experience, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate you increase your odds of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gather information however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by facts.
Other questions to consider are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should you not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
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 argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement on a project or task it is possible to apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, you should go over the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions or if you have any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the jobif given the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on in the present"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 820 847.
