Interview Readiness Blueprint
The most difficult aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve made it through the first step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and further elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door If you can convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds to be selected for the next phase of the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to gain information, but also, since they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why do you want to leave your current position?"
The answer may be because of management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with the greatest objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should we hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do us not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ this method. STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the Result.
The body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be a tall order but it is possible to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about with anxiety? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you read the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to review the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options, in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you expect to earn. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive your free quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
