Strategies for Interview Success
The most daunting aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become one of the most stressful parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step and your resume has made it through ATS scanners and you getting a callback. This opportunity to present 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, it boosts your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your own achievements. Training is the key to success 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 follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to elicit information, but also, because they want to help you get out of potentially contentious topics and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way that you express your answer will show your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your response using as much objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as answers that are based purely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should be hiring you?", or trick questions like "Why should you not employ 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. Lead with your point and follow with a brief reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement on a project or task, you may use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding the selection requirements. When using STAR it is necessary to describe the context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Being natural in a stressful environment can be a tall order but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, you should read the job description once more. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents It is crucial to think about the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be open and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your strengths as a prospective client. However, signalling your intent to work on your weak points will be equally significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The most appropriate person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing on the resume, or you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are usually found in the job application or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, should I be offered the chance to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to include a range that you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Try to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For example, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and certificates, as well as for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today for the free quotation or phone us directly to speak to one of our consultants at 1300 270 643.
