Steps to Interview Readiness
A major and difficult aspect of job hunts is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions The interview process has evolved into an extremely nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are a great opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already made it through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit you increase your odds to be selected for to the next step in the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to gather information as well as in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This includes removing all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool 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 follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly then return to the previous section.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to review the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up during the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if given the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the job (or in a variety, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you are expecting. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the free quote or phone us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 871 072.
