Mastering Interview Readiness
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking 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 work or prior achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve passed the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to elicit information however, also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer may be because of management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses with the greatest objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as responses based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to 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 plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Then, add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project then you can utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to review the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume, or if you’ve got any questions not answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the opportunity to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. A good tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today for a free quotation or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants on 1300 681 902.
