Interview Preparation Tactics
A major and intimidating aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already been through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your own achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information, but also, because they want to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your response in the most objective way is possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not employ you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task, you may apply this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. In using STAR, you must state a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to look at the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions or if you have any questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the position (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you are expecting. One important tip 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 range tight instead of giving any wide range. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any other benefits and perks in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today for a no-cost quote or contact us directly for a chat with one of our experts on 1300 591 447.
