A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. 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 a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely stressful parts of the hiring process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already made it through the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances to be selected for the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information, but also, in order to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as feasible. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings that are not supported by facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to stay calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When you use STAR you will need to write the context,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 situation could be a challenge, but you can always practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, you should review the description of the position. Assuming you 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 imperative to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being open about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or you have questions not answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them during the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you are expecting. A good tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us now for your free quote or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
