Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting to seek approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be natural for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their work or prior successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more stressful parts of the hiring process.
This does not have to be the case.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. It’s been a while since you’ve passed the first step, with your resume making it through ATS scanners and getting a callback. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on one’s profile, employment history, and key skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes that increases your chances of getting through the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with fears about speaking about your own achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, mostly because they are trying to elicit information and information, but also in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you leaving your current job?"
The answer could be due to problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason, however, the manner that you formulate the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses with the greatest objectivity possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like answers based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions such as "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to stay calm 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 reason or summary as to why you responded a certain way. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to utilize this method. STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to criteria for selection. When using STAR, you must state the Situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be difficult however, you can try to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to inquire about your concerns and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, make sure you review the job description once more. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to look at the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses will also be notable.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The most appropriate person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or you have questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them during the interview, when your interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work with the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway currently"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Salary packages and other benefits are typically advertised along with the position (or in a variety, if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you anticipate earning. The most important thing to do is provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact, fixed amount. Keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of other benefits and perks too and think about these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us now for your complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 871 072.
