Strategies for Interview Success
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their work or prior successes. Perhaps due to modesty or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the most nerve-wracking parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve completed the initial 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 and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial way to get noticed: if you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit you increase your odds of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews if you have fears about speaking about your personal achievements. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing future employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers pose challenging questions mostly because they are trying to get information from you, but also, since they want to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and issues. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. No matter the answer but the way the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer using as much objectivity feasible. This means eliminating any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by facts.
Other questions to prepare for are "What motivated you to apply for this job?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do we not take you on?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you chose to respond in a specific way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a task or project then you can use an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. In using STAR you will need to write an situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the result.
It’s all in the body language
Being natural in a stressful situation could be difficult however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to inquire about your concerns and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or shut off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you convey authenticity, openness and genuine enthusiasm?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, make sure you go over the job description once more. Assuming you read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities described therein to modify and customise your resume and other documents for selection, it is important to review the job description in order to accurately prepare yourself for interviewers. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to address your weaknesses will also be significant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to inquire for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered through their FAQ or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or their general hiring page About section) Make sure to bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the jobif given the opportunity to work with members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the chances to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the position (or on a list, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may ask you how much you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to fall instead of offering an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. For instance, if you expect to make $75,000 a year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your pocket is crucial for ensuring you are in ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today to receive an free quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 202 475.
