Mastering Interview Readiness
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already passed the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information however, also in order to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When using STAR you will need to write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a difficult situation can be a tall order but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to convey? Do you communicate authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, be sure to read the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to think about the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or if you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the jobif offered the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options, if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today for your free quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 0800 024 129.
