Strategies for Interview Success
The most difficult aspects of job searching is the daunting interview process. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may seem natural to certain people, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the fear of being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the most intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are the best method for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You have already passed the first step and your resume has made an appearance on ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate on one’s profile, employment history as well as key abilities and expertise is the proverbial foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you’re qualified you increase your odds of getting through the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing concerns about presenting your personal achievements. The practice is essential to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed before the date. The secret to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions in part, to elicit information, but also, in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current role?"
The answer to this question may be because of problems with management, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame the answer will indicate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Respond honestly and explain your reasoning in the most objective way feasible. This means removing emotional responses like responses that are based solely on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What made you apply for this job?", "Why should be hiring the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do us not take you on?" The key is to stay calm and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Introduce your idea and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons why you responded a certain manner. After that, you can add instances or elaborate. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could employ an approach called the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR you will need to write the situation,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task however, you can make sure you are practicing professional communication. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted person to ask you questions and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about with anxiety? Do you look intimidating, stiff, defensive, or closed off in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you communicate sincerity, authenticity, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to read the job description over again. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and duties listed in it to alter and personalize your resume as well as other selection documents It is imperative to review the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being honest regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a potential customer. However, showing your determination to improve your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to inquire for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting within the description of your job or if you’ve got any concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or their general hiring page About section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become an ideal candidate for the task, if given the chance to join you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities to further develop and learn?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or within a set of options, for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could want to know what salary you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is include a range that you would like your salary to be based instead of giving an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For example, if you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, an appropriate range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Also, be aware of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you think about your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to ensure you have the ability to tackle the most difficult questions. Be confident, self-assured, and be bold.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as the preparation for your interview, reach out to Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants can help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us now for an complimentary quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.
