Steps to Interview Readiness
One of the most difficult aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing to the next step in the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to get information from you, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a task or project it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. In using STAR you will need to write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, you should go over the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to review the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like in the job description or if you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway in the present"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you are expecting. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive your no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 0800 215 100.
