Strategies for Interview Success
The most difficult aspects of job hunting is the daunting interview process. It is a normal result of wanting approval and validation from others, especially from your prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may seem natural to certain people but others feel nervous about being asked about their work or prior accomplishments. Perhaps because of modesty, or the discomfort that comes with being asked to answer personal questions interviews have turned out to be among the more intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are the best opportunity for applicants to showcase their abilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step, with your resume making the cut through ATS scanners and being shortlisted for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon the profile of your employer, background, and key skills and expertise is the proverbial step to the front when you convince the interviewer you’re the right candidate this increases your chances of passing the next step of the selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your personal achievements. Practice is key and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation, and here are some suggestions you can apply to boost your chances of getting through that interview and impressing potential employers.
Get comfortable around tricky questions
Interviewers are able to ask tough questions partly because they want to gain information as well as because they want to help you come out of potentially contentious issues and worries. Consider for instance the question "Why are you leaving your current position?"
The reason for this may be because of managerial issues, or worries about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame the answer will indicate your capacity to be an objective and fair observer. Be honest and articulate your answer with the greatest objectivity possible. This means removing any emotional responses such as responses that are based solely on feelings or emotions and do not have any basis in actual facts.
Other questions to prepare for include "What motivated you to apply for this position?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions such as "Why do we not choose you?" 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. Lead with your point and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Add specific examples or provide more details. Once you’ve thoroughly explained, go back to your original point.
Similarly, if you are requested to provide a description of your participation in a particular project or task then you can use this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding on selection criteria. If you are using STAR it is necessary to describe a context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken, and lastly, the result.
It’s all in the body language
Acting naturally in a stressful environment can be a tall order However, you can try to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions and note your mannerisms. Are you shifting or fidgeting about nervously? Do you appear rigid, aloof, defensive or aloof in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with your message you’re trying to convey? Do you display authenticity, openness, and genuine interest?
Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.
Prior to the interview, be sure to review the job description again. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other documents for selection It is imperative to think about the job description in order to accurately present yourself to the interviewer. Be candid and open about your strengths and weaknesses. Being open about your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, showing your determination to work on your weak points will be equally relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is showing genuine interest for the position and the business. The best person to ask to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or if you have any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you to pose questions. The most interesting questions you could ask your employer include:
"How do I become the best person for the task, if offered the chance to work with you and your colleagues?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities to further develop and learn?"
Know your salary expectations
The salary package and other benefits are typically advertised along with the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, the interviewer may want to know what salary you anticipate earning. One important tip is to provide a range in which you’d like your pay to be, rather than providing an exact, fixed amount. Try to keep your range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. For instance, if are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a sensible choice would be anything from the $73,000-$80,000 range or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other perks and benefits also and take these into consideration when you think about your salary goals.
Inputting these steps into your pocket is crucial to equip yourself with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and bold.
For help with the recruitment process, documents and credentials and for interviews, please get in touch with Perth Resume. Our friendly and highly trained consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us today to receive a complimentary quote or to call us directly for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 202 475.
