Strategies for Interview Success
The most difficult aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. It is a normal consequence of seeking the approval and support of others in particular from potential employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions regarding their careers or their previous successes. Perhaps it is because of modesty or the fear of being asked questions about their personal life interviews have turned out to be an extremely intimidating parts in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t need to be the situation.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities as well as their accomplishments and capabilities. You’ve already made it through the first step with your resume passing an appearance on ATS scanners and you being selected for an interview. This opportunity to present and elaborate upon your resume, experience, and key skills and knowledge is the aforementioned way to get noticed when you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of passing through the next phase of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing apprehensions about talking about your own achievements. The practice is essential, and fortunately, interview questions can be practiced before the date. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances at nailing that interview and impressing prospective employers:
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, mostly because they are trying to get information from you, but also, because they want to see you get out of potentially contentious topics and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. No matter the answer, however, the manner the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your reasoning with the greatest objectivity can be. This means that you should eliminate any emotional responses , such as responses that are based solely on feelings or sentiments and are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What did you do to get this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions like "Why do us not employ 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. Begin with your topic and follow with a brief explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific manner. Then, add specific examples or provide more details. After you have explained thoroughly the topic, return to the point you made earlier.
Similarly, if you are asked to describe your involvement in a task or project, you may apply an approach called the STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR it is necessary to describe an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the final result.
The body language
Being natural in a difficult situation can be a daunting task but it is possible to learn to communicate professionally. Put yourself in front of the mirror or ask a trusted friend to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you flitting or shifting about nervously? Do you appear stiff, standoffish, defensive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the message you’re trying to convey? Do you display sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and your weaknesses.
Before the interview, you should review the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and then used the roles and responsibilities outlined in the description to make changes to your resume as well as other selection documents, it is important to review the job description to clearly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will enable interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospect. However, showing your determination to address your weak points will be equally notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the company. The best person to ask is the interviewer. If you’ve seen something that’s interesting in the job description, or you have questions that have not been answered by their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the conclusion of the interview when the interviewer encourages you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How can I be an ideal candidate for the job, should I be offered the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects in the pipeline currently"
"What are the possibilities for advancement and further training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the job (or in a variety, when applying via SEEK). However, the interviewer may be interested in knowing what you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your pay to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. For instance, if expect to make $75,000 a year, a good range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be 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 knowledgeable and professional consultants are able to assist you in your preparation stages. Contact us now for the free quotation or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
