Interview Preparation Tactics
The most frightening aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. It is a normal consequence of seeking approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become among the more intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve been through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your profile, work history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information as well as since they want to help you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should we not hire 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. Lead with your point and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding the selection requirements. When you use STAR you will need to write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the final result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a challenge, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, make sure you review the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is essential to look at the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting on the resume or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be offered the chance to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the job (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you are expecting. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving any wide range. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks too and think about these when you think about your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today for a no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants on 0800 215 100.
