Interview Preparation Tactics
One of the most difficult aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may seem natural to certain people 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 questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your profile, work history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of getting through the next step of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some tips that you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partially because they wish to gather information, but also, in order to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this may be because of managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer in the most objective way can be. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should you not employ you?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then follow it up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Then, add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to employ the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. If you are using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the Result.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be difficult However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to review the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume and other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or if you have questions not answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up during the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the opportunities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (or as part of a range when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you anticipate earning. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for an complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one our consultants at 0800 215 100.
