Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their career or past achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked to answer personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to demonstrate their skills as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve completed the initial step by submitting your resume to an appearance on ATS scanners and being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate on your profile, work history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing the next phase of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your accomplishments. It is important to practice and, fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to get information from you however, also in order to help you come out of potentially contentious questions and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you leaving your current role?"
The reason for this may be because of management concerns, or issues about work-life balance. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you express the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning with the greatest objectivity is possible. This means eliminating any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to consider include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should us not choose you?" 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 reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. Then, add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to the previous section.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task it is possible to apply 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. In using STAR the first thing you need to do is write the context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the results.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be a daunting task, but you can always make sure you are practicing professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and observe your body language. Are you shifting or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you seem stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you convey authenticity, openness 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 utilized the roles and responsibilities described within to customize and modify your resume and other document of selection It is essential to look at the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses is just as important.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or you have questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or in the general page for hiring about section), raise these during the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the job (or in a variety for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still want to know what salary you anticipate earning. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a the possibility of a large margin. For instance, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to guide you through the interview preparation stages. Contact us now for your no-cost quote or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
