Steps to Interview Readiness
A major and daunting aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds of getting through the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to get information from you however, also because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses with the greatest objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not take you on?" The key is to stay 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 note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a task or project, you may employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR it is necessary to describe a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a daunting task but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, you should review the job description over again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and duties listed within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to review the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the business. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description or if you have any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become the most suitable person for the jobif offered the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or in a variety for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today for a free quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 820 847.
