Steps to Interview Readiness
The most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already made it through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances to be selected for to the next step in the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gather information as well as because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning with as much objectivity as can be. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers based on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions like "Why do us not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. When using STAR you will need to write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult but it is possible to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to convey? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, make sure you read the description of the position. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 648 974.
