Interview Preparation Tactics
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others particularly from prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become among the more nerve-wracking parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front If you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gather information, but also, since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as feasible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why should we not take you on?" 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. Lead with your point and follow up with a short argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to your original point.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be offered the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline in the present"
"What are the chances to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits too and think about these when you think about your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to ensure you have the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us now for a complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 987 836.
