A Guide to Interview Preparation
One of the most intimidating aspects of the job search is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the most stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to gain information, but also, in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not employ 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. Lead with your point and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a project or task it is possible to apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. When you use STAR you will need to write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the results.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be difficult, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, be sure to read the description of the position. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to look at the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the best person for the task, if given the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you would like your salary 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 are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you consider your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive your free quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 257 381.
