Prepping Effectively for Interviews
A major and difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate that increases 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 interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to elicit information, but also, because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer using as much objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like responses based on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions such as "Why do we 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. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly then return to the previous section.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task, you may employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task However, you can try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to convey? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should review the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume and other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or if you’ve got any questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (or as part of a range, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today for a free quotation or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
