Ready Yourself for Interviews
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to get information from you, but also, in order to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to this question may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response in the most objective way can be. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why should us not take you on?" 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. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
If you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project, you may utilize this method. STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, make sure you go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the end of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the jobif given the opportunity to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are generally advertised with the job (or in a variety in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact, fixed amount. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a complimentary quote or call us direct to speak with one our experts on 03 5420 1563.
