Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
One of the most frightening aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be an extremely nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to elicit information, but also, since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning with as much objectivity as can be. This includes removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not take you on?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of the reasons you responded in a certain way. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond the selection requirements. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, make sure you read the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to review the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you have questions not answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) Bring them up after the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the chance to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or on a list if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you are expecting. One important tip is to give a range of where you’d like your salary 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. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits 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 ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the free quotation or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 567 415.
