Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most daunting aspects of the job search is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others and especially your potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best means for the candidate to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve been through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances to be selected for the next step of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing concerns about presenting your own achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to elicit information, but also, since they want to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer to the question may be because of managerial issues, or worries regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses using as much objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do us not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the previous section.
If you’re asked to write about your involvement in a project or task, you may apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. If you are 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 Result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a difficult situation can be difficult but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and duties listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your strengths as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which can be found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be offered the chance to join the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the position (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Try to 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 reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your purse is important for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us now for an no-cost quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 648 974.
