Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most difficult aspects of job searching is the interview stage. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become among the more intimidating parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are a crucial method for applicants to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate further on your resume, experience and the most important skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gain information, but also, in order to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer to this question could be due to managerial issues, or worries with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses with the greatest objectivity can be. This means eliminating emotional responses like responses based on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and then provide a concise note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to the point you made earlier.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the final result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation may be difficult but it is possible to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Are you looking uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the point you are trying to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description over again. If you have read the job description and utilized the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is essential to review the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or you have concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline right now"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the position (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might be interested in knowing what you are expecting. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us today for a free quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 291 288.
