Mastering the Important Interview Skills

Job interviews play a role in the hiring process and how well you perform during an interview can have a significant impact, on your prospects. Many of us think that interviews are only for scoring a job, however they are very useful in a wide range of areas within the workplace. To excel in interviews it’s essential to develop skills such as communication and professionalism. The better you understand and develop these interview skills the more prepared you’ll be for your interview.

Understanding Interview Skills.

Interview skills encompass a range of actions and abilities that enhance your effectiveness throughout the job interview process. These skills go beyond simply following conventions; they help candidates prepare for and engage in job interviews with confidence. They require preparation and the ability to discuss qualifications, skills and experiences with hiring managers.

Interview Skills That Set You Apart

Here are ten interview skills that can boost your performance during interviews and make you stand out from candidates;

Research; Prior to your interview invest time in researching both the company and the position you are applying for. Thorough research may involve;

Learning about the company: Exploring the companys website, their “About” section. Conducting searches for news articles or press releases about the company. Checking out their presence on social media platforms. Gathering insights, from former employees. When exploring job platforms make sure to check for feedback, from past employees. It’s also important to gather information as possible about the specific job you’re applying for. Take the time to thoroughly review the job listing and search for details on the companys website. It can be helpful to research the expectations and typical responsibilities of the role you’re interested in. The knowledge you have the better prepared you’ll be for your interview.

Preparation is key; Never go into an interview as it can have an impact on your candidacy. Dedicate an hour to prepare either on the day before or on the actual day of your interview. Your preparations should include;

Reviewing the job description to identify responsibilities and requirements. Creating responses to questions related to the position and its expected duties. Compiling a list of aspects of the job that you can refer back to during your interview. Double checking your cover letter. Resume for consistency with your presentation. Spending time researching interview questions that’re relevant to both the position and industry. Practicing your responses to interview questions with a friend or family member. Preparing examples, from job experiences that highlight milestones, challenges and successes. Being punctual is vital, for interviews. Its recommended to arrive at the interview location 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Employers value punctuality as it demonstrates reliability. To ensure you’re on time;

Plan your outfit ahead of time making sure it’s well prepared and wrinkle free. Prepare your bag or briefcase in advance including copies of your resume and cover letter. Set an alarm. Make sure you have transportation arranged for the interview. Professionalism plays a role during job interviews. There are factors to consider to maintain professionalism in this context;

Dress with tasteful well pressed and clean attire. Avoid ill fitting, revealing or flashy clothing choices. Opt in for colors that match well without being distracting. If you’re unsure, about the dress code it’s better to lean towards attire rather than appearing too casual. Maintain a demeanour by using language when interacting with everyone you encounter during the process from employees to receptionists.

Communication; During job interviews it is crucial to have communication skills that cover nonverbal aspects. Remember the following suggestions;

Address the interviewer by their name and make sure to pronounce it. Start the interview, with small talk using professional conversation starters. Adapt your communication style to match the interviewers tone. Avoid interrupting the interviewer. Refrain from using jargon or abbreviations. Try to minimise speech fillers such as “um”. Like.” Pay attention to your cues and present yourself in an professional manner.

Listening; Active listening plays a role in having an interview experience. Avoid the temptation of formulating responses, in your mind while listening as this may cause you to miss information. Instead listen attentively give your attention paraphrase to show engagement and use nonverbal signals like nodding to demonstrate your involvement. If needed, seek clarification. Take note of any cues displayed by the interviewer.

Asking questions presents an opportunity to explore aspects of the job that may not have been discussed yet showcasing your curiosity about the opportunity. Confidence; Your level of confidence greatly influences how interviewers perceive you. Approach the interview with confidence to discuss your qualifications, experiences and achievements expressing your belief, in your ability to perform the jobs responsibilities. Aim for an self assured demeanor than being overly confident.

Demonstrating Interest; Clearly convey your interest in the position during the interview. Show enthusiasm for the organisation and the role along with a passion for your work and your capability to fulfill the jobs requirements; this can leave an impression. Follow up; Sending a thank you email or note soon after the interview is considered crucial by recruiters and hiring managers. This simple gesture demonstrates your interest in the position and gratitude for the interviewers time. Try to send this follow up message on either the day or within one day after the interview.

When you master these ten interview skills you’ll be empowered to navigate interviews with confidence laying a foundation for success, in your job search. Learn more by taking one of our training courses, or provide tailored training to your team for interview techniques they can put into action straight away. For more information call our team members. We can provide training, coaching and even scripting advice. We can even coach body language and communication skills to help you land that next important position.