Interview Preparation Tactics
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their career or past successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to prove their capabilities have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gather information and information, but also in order to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your response using as much objectivity can be. This means removing all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to 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. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Then, add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project, you may utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR you will need to write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a challenge However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect what you want to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to review the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to look at the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you have questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or in a variety, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you are expecting. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for a free quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 0800 215 100.
