Interview Readiness Blueprint
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, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most stressful parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial entrance into the interview and if you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing through to the next step in the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to get information from you as well as since they want to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The reason for this could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response with the greatest objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain way. Then, add examples or further elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project then you can employ 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. In using STAR you will need to write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a tall order, but you can always learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, be sure to read the job description again. Assuming you read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection It is essential to consider the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the business. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job or if you have any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if offered the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on in the present"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or on a list, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you are expecting. One important tip is to include a range that you would like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate 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 courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or call us direct to speak with one our consultants on 1300 202 475.
