Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This does not have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already made it through the first step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a way to get noticed If you can convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your personal achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information however, also because they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What motivated you to apply for this role?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why do we 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. Lead with your point and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. After that, you can add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to your original point.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a project or task, you may employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond the selection requirements. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be difficult however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you display authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to consider the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospective client. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page about section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif given the opportunity to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). But, interviewers might inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants will be able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive your free quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our experts on 0800 024 129.
