Interview Readiness Blueprint
The most difficult aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on your profile, work history and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potential contentious issues and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning using as much objectivity can be. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions such as "Why should us 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. Start with your statement and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly then return to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a project or task it is possible to use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. In using STAR it is necessary to describe an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
It’s all in body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be difficult however, you can try to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive, or closed off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, you should read the job description once more. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described in it to alter and personalize your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to consider the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting from the job descriptions, or you have questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section), raise these during the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may 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 your complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
