Interview Preparation Tactics
One of the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve made it through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of getting through the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your personal achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information as well as because they want to see how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning in the most objective way can be. This means removing any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why do we not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a task or project, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. When using STAR it is necessary to describe a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a tall order but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to make? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description to honestly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential client. However, showing your determination to address your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job or you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section), raise these during the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if given the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Be sure to keep the limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive the complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
