Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked to answer personal questions Interviews have become one of the most stressful parts during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You have already been through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and further elaborate on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes you increase your odds of passing through the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances at nailing that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to gather information as well as since they want to help you get out of potential contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer but the way that you formulate your answer will show your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your response with as much objectivity as feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like responses based on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to consider are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not take you on?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific manner. After that, you can add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. In using STAR, you must state a Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a difficult situation can be a tall order but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask you questions and note your mannerisms. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Before the interview, ensure that you read the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents It is essential to think about the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume or if you have any questions not answered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How can I be the most qualified person for this jobif offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you are expecting. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Be sure to keep the range tight instead of giving any wide range. For example, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and certificates, as well as for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you through your preparatory stages. Contact us today to receive a free quotation or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 297 507.
