Strategies for Interview Success
A major and daunting aspects of the job search is the dreaded interview round. It is a normal result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their work or prior successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the biggest and most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are an important way for the applicant to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already been through the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate on your resume, experience as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you have what it takes you increase your odds of passing through the next step of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can apply to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions mostly because they are trying to gather information, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses with as much objectivity as feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as responses based on feelings or sentiments and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do you not choose you?" The key is to remain calm and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Add examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Also, if asked to describe your involvement in a task or project it is possible to employ the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR you will need to write a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
All it is in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task, but you can always practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to convey? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before you go to the interview, you should go over the job description over again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents It is crucial to look at the job description to clearly package yourself for the interviewer. Be candid and open regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being truthful about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to improve your weaknesses will be just as significant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the company. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or if you’ve got any questions not answered on their FAQ page or the guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this job, should I be offered the chance to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects on at the moment"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety, if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to offer a range within which you would like your salary to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range would be in the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential to ensure you have the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us today for an no-cost quote or call us direct to speak with one of our experts on 1300 202 475.
