Interview Preparation Tactics
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them Interviews have become an extremely nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve made it through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This chance to present and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances 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. It is important to practice, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to gather information however, also because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings that are not supported by evidence.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not employ you?" The key is to stay calm and plan your thoughts well.
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 responded a certain way. After that, you can add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task, you may utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR, you must state an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in difficult situation can 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 you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with the point you are trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you review the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to review the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your strengths as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How can I be the best person for the jobif given the opportunity to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you anticipate earning. A good tip is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents 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 phases. Contact us now for a free quotation or call us direct to speak with one our consultants at 1300 202 475.
