Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already made it through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to get information from you however, also in order to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses in the most objective way feasible. This means removing any emotional responses such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other questions to consider include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should us not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow up with a short reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the point you made earlier.
If you’re asked to describe your involvement in a task or project then you can employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the Result.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be difficult but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to 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 it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section), raise these after the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the position (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still be interested in knowing what you are expecting. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing 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 instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or call us direct for a chat with one of our experts on 0800 024 129.
