Interview Preparation Tactics
One of the most frightening aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on your profile, work history, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit, it boosts your chances of passing to the next step in the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your achievements. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information however, also because they want to see how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner in which you phrase your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as feasible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not take you on?" 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. Lead with your point and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a project or task it is possible to use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you show openness, sincerity and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, ensure that you go over the description of the position. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing from the job descriptions, or if you have questions not answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become the best person for the jobif offered the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. If, for instance, you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any 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 confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for the free quote or call us direct to speak with one our experts on 1300 202 475.
