Interview Preparation Tactics
One of the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills, achievements, and potentials. You’ve passed the first step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on your resume, experience and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your achievements. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gather information however, also because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity is possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us 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. Start with your statement and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you chose to respond in a specific way. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a project or task then you can employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. When using STAR, you must state the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a tall order however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, be sure to read the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to consider the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job application or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up during the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this task, if offered the chance to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the job (or on a list if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. A good tip is to give a range of where you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today for an complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 0800 024 129.
