Interview Readiness Blueprint
One of the most difficult aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already completed the initial step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified that increases your chances of passing through to the next step in the final selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information as well as in order to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning in the most objective way can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" 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. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the result.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a daunting task but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should go over the description of the position. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection, it is important to review the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you are expecting. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the capability to handle 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 get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive an free quotation or to call us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 0800 215 100.
