Interview Readiness Blueprint
The most difficult aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already completed the initial step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified you increase your odds to be selected for the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with concerns about presenting your achievements. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gather information and information, but also in order to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer may be because of problems with management, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to consider include "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why should you not employ you?" The key is to stay calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
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 explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Then, add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your original point.
Also, if requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task then you can apply to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe an Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the final result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume and other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the opportunity to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may inquire about the amount you are expecting. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your pocket is crucial to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us now for your free quotation or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
