Strategies for Interview Success
The most daunting aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step, with your resume making an appearance on ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of getting through the next phase of the final 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 in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information as well as since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your response using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why should we not choose you?" 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. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to write about your involvement in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the result.
It’s all in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge but it is possible to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect your message you’re trying to convey? Do you display openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, ensure that you review the job description over again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as important.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to approach questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description, or if you have questions that have not been answered through their FAQ or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or the general page for hiring About section) Make sure to bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the task, if offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or as part of a range, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you expect to earn. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a any wide range. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be mindful of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants can help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for a complimentary quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 290 659.
