Optimizing Your Interview Preparation

Perhaps the most frightening aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others in particular from potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become an extremely intimidating parts that are required to hire.

It doesn’t have to be the scenario.

Interviews are an important method for applicants to demonstrate their skills have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances of passing the next stage of the final selection process.

Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing prospective employers:

Be comfortable with difficult questions

Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gather information however, also because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"

The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses in the most objective way possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by facts.

Other questions to consider include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.

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 reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. Then, add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.

Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task then you can apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond the selection requirements. If you are using STAR you will need to write a context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.

It’s all in the body language

Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task However, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?

Take a look at your strengths and weak points.

Prior to your interview, you should review the job description once more. 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 important to look at the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will be just as important.

Prepare questions

Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job, or if you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these at the end of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:

"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the opportunity to work with members of your staff?"

"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"

"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"

Know your salary expectations

Benefits and salary packages are often advertised with the job (or as part of a range, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you are expecting. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary goals.

Having these preparatory steps in your purse is important for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.

For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us now for an complimentary quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 871 072.

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