A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most intimidating aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already passed the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your own achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to elicit information, but also, because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning in the most objective way can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to apply the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, be sure to review the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed within to customize and modify your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or if you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if offered the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or on a list, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for your free quotation or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 240 606.
