Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You have already completed the initial step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes that increases your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information however, also in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a task or project then you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a tall order but it is possible to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to convey? Do you display openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to your interview, make sure you read the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will also be notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us now for your complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 202 475.
