Ready Yourself for Interviews
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already made it through the first step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing through to the next step in the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to get information from you as well as because they want to see you come out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity can be. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do we not choose 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. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain way. Add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a challenge, but you can always practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, you should review the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or on a list, if applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you anticipate earning. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today for the no-cost quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
