A Guide to Interview Preparation
The most frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve completed the initial step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to gain information and information, but also because they want to help you come out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to this question may be because of problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response in the most objective way can be. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers based on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to 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 follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the Result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, make sure you read the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is essential to review the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the role and in the company. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description or if you have any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the position (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.
