Strategies for Interview Success
The most daunting aspects of job searching is the interview stage. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking the approval and support of others, especially from your prospective employers. Although expressing their opinions about themselves might come naturally to some people However, some are uncomfortable being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps because of modesty, or the anxiety that comes from being asked personal questions interviews have turned out to be an extremely nerve-wracking parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the situation.
Interviews are a crucial means for the candidate to showcase their abilities are, their achievements, and potential. You’ve already been through the first step with your resume passing its way through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This chance to present and elaborate upon one’s profile, employment history as well as the key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned foot in the door and if you can convince the interviewer you have what it takes, it boosts your chances of passing 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 achievements. It is important to practice to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can follow to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers pose challenging questions in part, to get information from you, but also, in order to help you navigate your way out of potentially contentious questions and concerns. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current position?"
The answer to the question could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer with as much objectivity as can be. This means eliminating emotional responses like answers that are based purely on sentiments or feelings, and do not have any basis in facts.
Other questions to consider are "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we hire the person we chose to hire?", or trick questions like "Why do you not hire you?" The key is to remain calm and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow up with a short note of the reason or reasons the reason you reacted in a particular way. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. Once you’ve explained everything thoroughly, go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a particular project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could use to describe your involvement in a project or task, you can use the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the results.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful situation may be a daunting task However, you can learn to communicate professionally. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or reserved in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions consistent with the message you’re trying to convey? Do you show genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Before the interview, ensure that you go over the job description over again. If you have read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to look at the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to note your selling points as a potential client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as relevant.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm in the job and within the company. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like from the job descriptions or if you have any concerns that weren’t answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are usually found in the job packet or the general page for hiring about section) You can raise them at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How can I be the most qualified person for this jobif offered the chance to work with your team?"
"Does the company has any major projects going on right now"
"What are the chances for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are typically advertised along with the job (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 give a range of where you would like your salary to be, rather than providing an exact number or a set amount. Keep your limit to a narrow range instead of providing any wide range. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable range would be anywhere in the $73,000-$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 evaluate your salary goals.
These steps to prepare in your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and be courageous.
To assist with recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, reach out to Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to assist you in your preparation phases. Contact us now for a free quotation or phone us directly for a chat with one of our consultants at 1300 567 415.
