Steps to Interview Readiness
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit that increases your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to get information from you and information, but also since they want to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity can be. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly then return to your previous point.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project then you can use an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can try to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to consider the job description to clearly present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How can I be the best person for the task, if given the chance to join your team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us now for an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 820 847.
