Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
A major and difficult aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You have already completed the initial step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to elicit information, but also, because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer could be due to management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response in the most objective way feasible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should we not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
If you’re asked to describe your involvement on a project or task, you may apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR, you must state an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a challenge However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to make? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you read the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job or if you have any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you are expecting. A good tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive a no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
