Interview Preparation Tactics
The most difficult aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your profile, work history and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes that increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information, but also, because they want to see you get out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as feasible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on emotions or feelings and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not choose you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. Add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if required to explain your participation on a project or task it is possible to utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can be a tall order however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to make? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, make sure you go over the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the 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 look at the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you’d like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today for a complimentary quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
