Strategies for Interview Success

A major and daunting aspects of the job search is the fear of an interview. Interview fear is a natural result of wanting to seek acceptance and approval from others particularly from prospective employers. While speaking about themselves may be natural for some However, some are uncomfortable being asked questions about their professional or previous accomplishments. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become one of the biggest and most stressful parts in the process of hiring.

This doesn’t have to be the case.

Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities, achievements, and potentials. You’ve already completed the initial step with your resume passing the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate further on the profile of your employer, background and the most important skills and expertise is the proverbial entrance into the interview when you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate that increases your chances of passing through the next stage of the final selection process.

Luckily, you can prepare for interview questions if you’re struggling with apprehensions about talking about your achievements. Practice is key, and fortunately, interview questions can be rehearsed in advance. The key to flawless interviews is preparation. Here are some helpful tips you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing your future employers:

Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions

Interviewers pose challenging questions partly because they want to get information from you and information, but also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious topics and worries. Take for example the question "Why have you decided to quit your current job?"

The answer to the question may be because of management issues, or concerns about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your answer will demonstrate your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses using as much objectivity feasible. This means that you should eliminate emotional responses like answers that are based purely on emotions or feelings and are not supported by facts.

Other questions to be prepared for are "What inspired you to apply for this position?", "Why should us choose to hire you?", or trick questions such as "Why should us not employ 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. Begin with your topic and then provide a concise explanation or a brief summary of why you responded a certain manner. Add instances or elaborate. Once you’ve thoroughly explained the topic, return to your original point.

Also, if required to explain your participation in a particular project or task it is possible to use the STAR Method, which is often used when responding to criteria for selection. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an context,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken followed by the result.

It’s all in the body language

Acting naturally in a difficult situation can be a challenge however, you can practice professional communication. Place yourself in front of a mirror or ask a trusted person to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you shifting or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Do you seem uneasy, aggressive or aloof in your body and speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Are your facial expressions in line with what you want to convey? Do you communicate authenticity, openness and genuine concern?

Consider your strengths and your weaknesses.

Before the interview, be sure to go over the description of the position. Assuming you read the job description and utilized the roles and responsibilities listed therein to modify and customise your resume and other selection documents, it is important to look at the job description to honestly present yourself to the interviewer. Be upfront and honest on your strength and weakness. Being open regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to address your weak points will be equally important.

Prepare questions

Another aspect to consider in the interview is to show genuine interest about the job and the business. The best person to approach is the interviewer. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job, or if you’ve got any questions that were left unanswered by their FAQ page or the guide questions (which typically are found in the job description or the general page for hiring about section) Bring them up at the end of the interview, after your interviewer is encouraging you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:

"How do I become the most suitable person for the job, should I be given the opportunity to work alongside you and your colleagues?"

"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"

"What are the chances to advance and further education?"

Be aware of your salary expectations

The salary package and other benefits are generally advertised with the position (or within a set of options, when applying via SEEK). However, interviewers could be interested in knowing what you are expecting. The most important thing to do is include a range that you’d like your earnings to fall rather than giving an exact number or a set amount. Keep your range tight instead of giving an expansive margin. If, for instance, you are expecting to earn $75,000 per year, a reasonable choice would be anything from the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anyplace within the $10,000 range. Consider other benefits and perks in addition to these when you think about your salary expectations.

These steps to prepare in your bag is vital to be prepared with the confidence to answer the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.

If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for interview preparation, contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants are able to help you with your interview preparation steps. Contact us today for an complimentary quote or to call us directly to speak with one of our consultants at 1300 202 475.

Additional Information

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• Unveiling the Impact of a Strong Cover Letter and Resume
• The Importance of a Professional Cessnock Cover Letter in the Job Application Process