Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already passed the first step by submitting your resume to its way through ATS scanners and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of getting through the next stage of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to elicit information however, also in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses with the greatest objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we choose you?", or trick questions like "Why do us not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
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 the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement on a project or task then you can utilize this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR, you must state the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a tall order However, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest on your strength and weakness. Being truthful about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your selling points as a potential client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting on the resume or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the jobif offered the chance to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers could inquire about the amount you are expecting. One important tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits too and think about these when you consider your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you through your preparatory steps. Contact us today to receive your free quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 1300 871 072.
