Interview Readiness Blueprint
One of the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve already passed the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate further on your resume, experience, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your personal achievements. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to elicit information as well as because they want to see how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity can be. This includes removing all emotional responses, like answers based on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should be hiring us?", or trick questions such as "Why do we 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. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task then you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be difficult However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, make sure you go over the job description once more. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is imperative to think about the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you’ve got any questions not answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section), raise these during the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you are expecting. One important tip is to give a range of where you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing the possibility of a large margin. For example, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a sensible range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive the complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 297 507.
