Prepping Effectively for Interviews

Posted by Coffs Harbour Resume on 28 Jun 2025

Perhaps the most difficult aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.

This doesn’t need to be the situation.

Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing through to the next step in the selection process.

You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers.

Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions

Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information as well as in order to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"

The answer to this question may be because of management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with the greatest objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by evidence.

Other questions to prepare for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions such as "Why do we not hire you?" 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. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the point you made earlier.

Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. When you use STAR you will need to write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.

The body language

Acting naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine concern?

Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.

Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is essential to review the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will also be relevant.

Prepare questions

Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section), raise these during the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:

"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if given the opportunity to join you and your colleagues?"

"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"

"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"

Know your salary expectations

Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.

Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.

For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive an free quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.

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