Strategies for Interview Success
Perhaps the most frightening aspects of job searching is the fear of an interview. It is a normal result of wanting to seek recognition and acceptance from other people, especially from your prospective employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may be a natural thing for some, others are apprehensive about being asked questions regarding their career or past achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the fear of being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be one of the biggest and most intimidating parts during the selection process.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are an important method for applicants to demonstrate their skills are, their achievements, and potential. It’s been a while since you’ve completed the initial step and your resume has made its way through ATS scanners and your name being considered for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background as well as the key skills and abilities is the proverbial foot in the door: if you convince the interviewer that you’re qualified, it boosts your chances of passing to the next step in the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews if you have concerns about presenting your achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed ahead of time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing future employers:
Be comfortable with difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gather information as well as because they want to see you get out of potential contentious issues and issues. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer to this question may be because of managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. Whatever the reason however, the manner that you express your response will signal your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning with the greatest objectivity possible. This includes removing all emotional responses, like responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and do not have any basis in factual evidence.
Other important questions to ask are "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose us?", or trick questions such as "Why do we not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and organize your thoughts in a systematic manner.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow with a brief argument or explanation of why you responded a certain way. Then, add details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task it is possible to apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond the selection requirements. If you are using STAR, you must state a situation,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken then the Result.
It’s all in body language
Acting naturally in a stressful situation could be a challenge 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 of you and observe your behavior. Are you moving or fidgeting around with a nervousness? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with your message you’re trying to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to your interview, you should go over the description of the position. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is essential to consider the job description in order to accurately describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to improve your weaknesses will be just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to approach to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. 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 guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up after the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if offered the chance to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on currently"
"What are the potential opportunities to advance and further education?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are generally advertised with the position (or on a list in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you’re expecting to earn. A good tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your earnings to fall instead of offering an exact number or a set amount. Make sure to keep your range tight instead of giving any wide range. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 range, or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits in addition to these when you evaluate your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your bag is vital to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants are able to help you through your preparatory phases. Contact us today for a complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one our consultants at 1300 202 475.
