Strategies for Interview Success
A major and daunting aspect of job hunts is the interview stage. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be one of the most intimidating aspects that are required to hire.
This doesn’t need to be the case.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already made it through the first step by submitting your resume to the cut through ATS scanners and being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate upon your resume, experience, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you have what it takes that increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, in part, to gain information as well as in order to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave 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 express your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning using as much objectivity feasible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like responses based on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should us choose to hire your services?", or trick questions like "Why should us not employ 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. Start with your statement and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained you can go back to your previous point.
In the same way, if you’re asked to write about your involvement on a project or task it is possible to apply the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond to criteria for selection. In using STAR you will need to write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the result.
All it is in the body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a tall order, but you can always practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate genuineness, honesty and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, be sure to review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection, it is important to think about the job description and how you will present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being realistic about your strengths can allow the interviewer to note your unique selling points as a prospect. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the role and in the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting on the resume, or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or their general hiring page about section) Make sure to bring them up at the conclusion of the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer are:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the job, should I be given the opportunity to be part of your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities to advance and further education?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the position (or in a variety in the case of SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. One important tip is to provide a range in which you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a an expansive margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider additional perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation stages. Contact us now for the free quote or contact us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 202 475.
