Mastering Interview Readiness
A major and daunting aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become an extremely intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve been through the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances at nailing 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 get information from you and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer but the way that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your response with as much objectivity as is possible. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do we not hire you?" The key is to stay calm 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 then provide a concise argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a project or task, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. When you use STAR you will need to write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be difficult However, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you read the job description over again. If you have 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 review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, after your 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 task, if offered the chance to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your purse is important to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today to receive an free quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 591 447.
