Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. The fear of an interview is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps out of modesty and the fear of being asked questions about their personal life The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most stressful parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve passed the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This chance to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a step to the front and if you can convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate this increases your chances to be selected for to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions mostly because they are trying to gather information as well as because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The reason for this may be because of management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you formulate your response will signal your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your reasoning using as much objectivity possible. This means removing all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, and are not supported by actual facts.
Other important questions to ask are "What made you apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why should you not hire you?" The key is to stay calm and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation in a task or project it is possible to use 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 a scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
All it is in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be difficult but it is possible to make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to ask questions and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting about nervously? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you convey sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Before you go to the interview, be sure to read the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to think about the job description to honestly package yourself for the interviewer. Be open and honest regarding your weaknesses and strengths. Being open about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your strengths as a potential customer. But, indicating your intention to work on your weak points will be equally important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to inquire questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting in the job description, or if you have any questions that were left unanswered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring About section), raise these after the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer
"How can I be the most suitable person for the task, if offered the chance to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the job (or within a set of options if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. A good tip is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a an expansive margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you are evaluating your salary expectations.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us now for your free quotation or call us direct to speak with one our experts on 03 5420 1572.
