Strategies for Interview Success
The most intimidating aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. It is a normal consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people however, many are nervous about being asked questions regarding their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become among the more stressful parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already been through the first step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and getting a callback. The chance to show and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
There is no need to be worried about preparing for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partially because they wish to gain information however, also because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious questions and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. Whatever the reason but the way that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response with as much objectivity as possible. This means removing emotional responses like responses based on feelings or emotions and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then provide a concise argument or explanation of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task, you may utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful situation could be difficult However, you can practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with what you want to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, make sure you read the description of the position. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is crucial to think about the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to address your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page about section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer include:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, should I be given the opportunity to join the team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on in the present"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you’re expecting to earn. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing a wide margin. If, for instance, you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 189 376.
