Ready Yourself for Interviews
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting acceptance and approval from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become among the more nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already been through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes this increases your chances of getting through to the next step in the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having fears about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gather information as well as in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses in the most objective way feasible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. Add details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly then return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task then you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be difficult However, you can practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you show openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you review the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the job, should I be given the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the position (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for your no-cost quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 0800 215 100.
