Prepping Effectively for Interviews
A major and frightening aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a great method for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds of getting through the next phase of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gather information however, also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a challenge but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, you should go over the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to think about the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the business. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for your complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our experts on 1300 326 135.
