A Guide to Interview Preparation
A major and difficult aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others particularly from prospective 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 due to modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. You have already been through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your accomplishments. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to elicit information however, also because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning using as much objectivity can be. This includes removing emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions such as "Why do be able to not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR it is necessary to describe a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to convey? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you review the job description again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to review the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume or you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the jobif given the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks in addition to these when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us now for the free quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
