Interview Readiness Blueprint
A major and frightening aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked about their work or prior successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information, but also, since they want to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses with as much objectivity as possible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
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 argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Then, add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task, you may apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be difficult However, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, you should review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection, it is important to look at the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them during the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the jobif given the chance to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for a no-cost quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 871 072.
