Interview Readiness Blueprint
One of the most frightening aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. It is a normal consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most stressful parts that are required to hire.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds to be selected for the next phase of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to elicit information and information, but also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with the greatest objectivity can be. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions like "Why should you not employ 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. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a particular project or task, you may employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. In using STAR you will need to write an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task, but you can always try to practice professional communication. You can sit 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 with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should review the description of the position. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to think about the job description and how you will package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume or you have questions not answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, if I am given the chance to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the position (or on a list, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us now for the complimentary quote or call us direct to speak to one of our experts on 0800 215 100.
