Mastering Interview Readiness
The most intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. It is a normal consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into among the more intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve made it through the first step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response using as much objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on feelings or emotions and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. In using STAR you will need to write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the final result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to think about the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or you have questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us now for an free quotation or contact us directly to speak to one of our experts on 0800 215 100.
