Prepping Effectively for Interviews
One of the most difficult aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become an extremely stressful parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to showcase their abilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already made it through the first step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview If you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes that increases your chances of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to get information from you however, also because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your answer in the most objective way possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do be able to 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. Start with your statement and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a task or project it is possible to utilize this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. When using STAR it is necessary to describe a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the results.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, you should go over the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other document of selection, it is important to consider the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths can allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like on the resume, or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them during the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or on a list, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might want to know what salary you are expecting. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us today for an free quotation or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.