Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
One of the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. It is a normal consequence of seeking 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 regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing concerns about presenting your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to elicit information as well as because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as is possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not take you on?" 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 then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply this method. 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 an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the Result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to convey? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, you should read the description of the position. If you have read the job description and used the roles and duties listed within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the best person for the jobif given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the job (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving a wide margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for your no-cost quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 871 072.
