A Guide to Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most daunting aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be one of the most intimidating aspects during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to demonstrate their skills have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This chance to present and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances to be selected for the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your personal achievements. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to elicit information, but also, because they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and issues. For instance, consider the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not employ you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be difficult however, you can learn to communicate professionally. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you go over the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the business. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or within a set of options if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you expect to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for an free quotation or call us direct to speak to one of our consultants on 0800 215 100.
