Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most stressful parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You’ve passed the first step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds of getting through to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your achievements. Training is the key to success and luckily, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to gain information however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and issues. Consider, for instance, the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Respond honestly and explain your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should be able to 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 follow up with a short argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement in a project or task it is possible to employ to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
It’s all in body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be difficult, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body expression? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to convey? Do you show sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to go over the job description over again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to look at the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. But, indicating your intention to improve your weaknesses is just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or you have questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or their general hiring page about section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the best person for the job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or on a list, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is offer a range within which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any other benefits and perks in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us today to receive the free quote or to call us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 648 974.
