Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most frightening aspects of job hunting is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to prove their capabilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and your name getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of passing to the next step in the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have doubts about speaking about your achievements. It is important to practice to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The reason for this may be because of managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning with as much objectivity as is possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as answers based on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions such as "Why do us not hire 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. Start with your statement and then provide a concise reason or summary as to the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR, you must state a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a challenge, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Are you looking stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to convey? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to consider the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to address your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or their general hiring page About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How can I be the best person for the jobif given the chance to be part of the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may reach out to Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us now for an free quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our experts on 0800 215 100.
