Strategies for Interview Success
A major and intimidating aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their work or prior achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners, and your name being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer that you have what it takes this increases your chances of passing the next phase of the selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gather information however, also in order to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your answer with the greatest objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as responses based on emotions or feelings and are not substantiated by evidence.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should you not choose you?" The key is to stay calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task it is possible to utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to selection criteria. If you are using STAR you will need to write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to convey? Do you display genuineness, honesty and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, make sure you go over the description of the position. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the jobif given the opportunity to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on in the present"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or set number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and certificates, as well as for interviews, please reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us now for an no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 297 507.
