Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most daunting aspects of job hunting is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting approval and validation from others and especially your potential employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked questions that are personal to them, the interview has become one of the most intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This does not 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 being considered for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience as well as the key skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a foot in the door when you convince the interviewer you’re qualified this increases your chances to be selected for the next phase of the final selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation, and here are some helpful tips you can follow to boost your chances of aceing that interview and impressing your potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partially because they wish to elicit information, but also, in order to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current role?"
The answer could be due to managerial issues, or worries about work-life balance. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your response will signal your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your reasoning using as much objectivity can be. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on feelings or emotions and are not substantiated by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why should us not hire you?" The key is not to lose your cool and arrange your thoughts with care.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Add details or go into more detail. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to the previous section.
In the same way, if you’re required to explain your participation in a task or project and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use the STAR Method, which is typically used to respond to selection criteria. When using STAR, you must state an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken followed by the results.
The body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a daunting task but it is possible to try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and observe your body language. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem rigid, aloof, defensive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match the message you’re trying to make? Do you show authenticity, openness and genuine concern?
Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, ensure that you go over the job description again. In the event that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities described in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is essential to think about the job description and how you will describe yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest concerning your abilities and shortcomings. Being truthful about your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential customer. However, signalling your intent to improve your weaknesses will also be notable.
Prepare questions
Another important aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job application or the general page for hiring About section) You can raise them after the interview when the interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer
"How do I become the most qualified person for this job, if I am offered the chance to work alongside the team?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment"
"What are the opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety, for those applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you anticipate earning. One important tip is to give a range of where you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a the possibility of a large 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 or anywhere within the $10,000-$10,000 range. Be mindful of additional perks and benefits as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
These steps to prepare in your bag is vital for ensuring you are in readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may get in touch with Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us now for the free quotation or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 456 098.
