Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting to seek the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become among the more nerve-wracking parts that are required to hire.
It doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already been through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners, and your name being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned step to the front when you convince the interviewer you have what it takes this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to gain information, but also, because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The answer to this question could be due to problems with management, or concerns about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner that you express your answer will show your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "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 then provide a concise reason or summary as to the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly the topic, return to the previous section.
If you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project, you may utilize to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to selection criteria. When using STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the Result.
The body language
Being natural in a stressful situation may be a challenge but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to convey? Do you communicate openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weak points.
Prior to your interview, be sure to read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to look at the job description in order to accurately package yourself for the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths will enable the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will be just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire is the interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or if you have any questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job application or their general hiring page About section), raise these after the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, if I am given the opportunity to be part of you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
The salary package and other benefits are usually advertised alongside the position (or in a variety, in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. A good tip is to give a range of where you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Try to keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you consider your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for a complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 615 870.
