Strategies for Interview Success
The most intimidating aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be natural for some however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior achievements. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life Interviews have become an extremely intimidating aspects during the selection process.
It doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step with your resume passing it through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of getting through the next stage of the final selection process.
Luckily, you can prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing fears about speaking about your personal achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partially because they wish to get information from you however, also because they want to see how you can get rid of potential contentious issues and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
The answer may be because of management issues, or concerns regarding work-life balance, for instance. Whatever the reason however, the manner in which you phrase your answer will show your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your response using as much objectivity can be. This means removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on feelings or sentiments that are not supported by factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What did you do to get this role?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow with a brief argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. Next, provide instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Also, if required to explain your participation in a project or task it is possible to apply the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR you will need to write an 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 situation may be a tall order, but you can always try to practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or have a trusted companion to inquire about your concerns and observe your body language. Are you flitting or shifting around with a nervousness? Do you appear uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display openness, sincerity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to go over the job description again. If you have read the job description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined therein to modify and customise your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being open about your strengths can allow interviewers to recognize your strengths as a potential customer. However, announcing your intention to address your weaknesses will also be important.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the job and within the company. The most appropriate person to ask for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you have noticed something intriguing in the job description, or if you have questions not answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which are typically found within the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up after the interview, after your interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the most qualified person for this jobif offered the chance to join your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway at the moment"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are often advertised with the position (or as part of a range, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still inquire about the amount you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact or set number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a good range is anywhere between the $73,000-$80,000 range or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Be aware of any additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your purse is important to ensure you have the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials , and also for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us today to receive the free quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 0800 024 129.
