Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most daunting aspect of job hunts is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort arising from being asked questions about their personal life, the interview has become among the more nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t need to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important means for the candidate to show that their competencies as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already been through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners, and your name getting a callback. This opportunity to present and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door when you convince the interviewer that you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing through to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having concerns about presenting your own achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions.
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to gather information however, also because they want to see you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider, for instance, the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to management issues, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. Whatever the reason but the way in which you phrase the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity is possible. This means eliminating all emotional responses, like answers based on sentiments or feelings, that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to consider include "What inspired you to apply for this role?", "Why should be hiring your services?", or trick questions like "Why should we not employ you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and then follow it up with a short argument or explanation of why you responded a certain manner. Add examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly then return to the point you made earlier.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. In using STAR, you must state an context,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken as well as the final result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be difficult but it is possible to practice professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or have a trusted companion to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you look stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the point you are trying to make? Do you convey genuineness, honesty and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses
Prior to the interview, ensure that you go over the job description over again. In the event that you’ve read the description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is crucial to review the job description to clearly present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest for the position and the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you have noticed something intriguing within the description of your job or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section), raise these after the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the job, if I am given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the opportunities for further development and training?"
Know what your salary expectations are.
Benefits and salary packages are generally advertised with the position (or as part of a range, in the case of SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. A good tip is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to fall rather than giving an exact or fixed number. Try 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 sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential for ensuring you are in capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, confident, and confident and courageous.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents and credentials and for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us now for your no-cost quote or to call us directly to speak with one our consultants at 03 5420 1563.
