Prepping Effectively for Interviews
One of the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already made it through the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on your profile, work history and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of getting through the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information however, also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as responses based on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not choose you?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
Similarly, if you are required to explain your participation on a project or task it is possible to employ to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When using STAR you will need to write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be a challenge however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, make sure you go over the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or if you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or on a list if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for your free quotation or call us direct to speak with one our consultants at 0800 215 100.
