Interview Readiness Blueprint
The most intimidating aspects of the job search is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You have already completed the initial step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your own achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gain information however, also because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your response with the greatest objectivity possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain way. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task then you can apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. If you are using STAR, you must state the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult However, you can try to 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 moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to consider the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be offered the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us now for a free quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 0800 215 100.
