Optimizing Your Interview Preparation

Posted by Sunshine Coast Resume on 21 Feb 2025

One of the most frightening aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into among the more stressful parts in the process of hiring.

This doesn’t have to be the scenario.

Interviews are an important method for applicants to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve been through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your resume, experience as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances of getting through the next phase of the final selection process.

You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.

Be comfortable with difficult questions.

Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you however, also because they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"

The answer may be because of management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity possible. This includes removing emotional responses like answers based on feelings or sentiments and do not have any basis in facts.

Other important questions to ask are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why should be able to not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.

Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly then return to the previous section.

If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task, you may utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When you use STAR you will need to write a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the Result.

All it is in the body language

Acting naturally in a stressful situation may be a tall order but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?

Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.

Before the interview, be sure to review the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to look at the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to work on your weaknesses will be just as important.

Prepare questions

Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the company. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or you have questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer:

"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"

"Does the company has any major projects going on at the moment"

"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"

Know your salary expectations

The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or on a list, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. For instance, if anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any 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 for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.

To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today to receive an free quotation or to call us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 987 836.

Additional Information

Good service. Response from the owner4 years ago. Thank you Kindly Desi. All the best of luck for the future.
Desi Boy Krrish
Thank you to Jamie from Sunshine Coast Resume who was so patient and thorough with me during this process. I absolutely love my new documents! Thank you again. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Jodie Morris
Thoroughly recommend the services at Sunshine Coast Resume
Clare Haslam
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value Great friendly people in the office, was worth every single dollar spent. Would recommend to anyone thinking they need there resume done!
Louis Dawe
Highly recommended. Tanja have done a fantastic job with my CV, Cover letter and selection criteria. They’re looking fantastic and well detailed. Thank you
Abbi Abbi
Sunshine Coast resume helped me land my dream job. Not only was the service second to none, but they genuinely cared to help me. After applying to more then 50 jobs and no call back, literally within a few days of getting my resume professionally written by Sunshine Coast Resume I couldn't keep up. If only I knew this was going to make such an impact to my job search I would of acted sooner. I cannot thank you guys enough, you have literally helped me land the job of my dreams.
Sandra Tricoli
So perfect and professional. Highly recommended.
Jennifer Adl
I used Sunshine Coast Resume for a government role submission, which included a selection criteria response. I was very impressed and it landed me the job that i wanted. Thank you again.
Roger Berick
Trying to remove but unable to ATM. Sorry about the mistake. Have changed review but if I can remove it I will.
Lina Stead
Professional service, outstanding customer care and they made a fantastic CV and Cover letter. Thankyou!
Chris Pathirana
How to Prepare for Interviews

Resume

We provide professional resume writing services.

How to Prepare for Interviews

Cover Letter

We provide professional cover letter writing services.

How to Prepare for Interviews

LinkedIn Profile

We provide professional linkedin profile writing services.

How to Prepare for Interviews

Contact Us

Click the button below to get in touch.

About Us &

What We Do

We offer professional resume writing services and our very experienced resume writers will ensure that your new resume stands out from the rest.

We are a team of highly qualified and seasoned Recruiters, consultants and HR Professionals that are dedicated to delivering an excellent, well-written cover letter or resume.

We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of best-practice hiring methodologies and Australian recruitment standards. Plus, our expertise in a wide variety of industries and professions means that we can deliver a high-quality, powerful resume that meets your personal requirements.

Our end goal is to provide you with an impressive, striking resume that is perfectly optimised for success in the competitive Sunshine Coast job market.

We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our writing services, so you can be confident that you will be happy with your brand new cover letter or resume.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Make an Enquiry

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to get in touch or call us today on
1300 987 836