Ready Yourself for Interviews
The most frightening aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate upon your resume, experience as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes this increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information as well as because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses in the most objective way possible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should we not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description or if you’ve got any questions not answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the opportunity to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive the free quotation or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 735 398.
