What are interview skills?
Interviews are an integral part of the recruitment process. It is during an interview that potential candidates are judged and finalized for a position. Being well-prepared to face an interview makes sure that you are comfortable and confident discussing your skills, experience, and qualifications. As a result, it improves your chances of being chosen for the new position.
Critical skills required to succeed in interviews
Seemingly straightforward questions such as, why should we hire you, or where do you see yourself in 5 years, may prove challenging to tackle in reality, without preparation. While most jobs may not require you to be a great communicator, getting through an interview often requires clarity of thought and articulation skills.
- Research the company and the position. Walking into an interview simply because you have heard great things about the company and that the pay is good doesn’t cut it. Instead, it is crucial to spend time getting to know the company and the position. Go through the company’s website, take a look at their recent press releases and social media handles and, if possible, talk to past or current employees to understand the job description.
- Prepare for the Interview. Prepare to handle the conversation with clear answers to potential questions. Be ready to deal with questions that may not be directly related to the job as well. Get prepared with a clear self-introduction and descriptions of your experience, challenges, and achievements.
- Be on time. Punctuality is a critical trait that all employers value highly. And it begins with how punctual you are for the interview. It is ideal to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. This means you must ensure that everything required to be on time is planned well in advance. Be it your clothes, carry bag, copies of documents, and the commute to the venue.
- Exude professionalism. Remember, first impressions matter a lot. Beginning with your attire, using professional language, and being courteous and respectful to everyone you meet, everything must be tailored to provide a good impression. The professionalism that you exhibit in your behavior and words will ensure that your candidature is taken seriously.
- Communicate with clarity. The way you communicate gives people an excellent insight into how confident you are as an individual. Acquaint yourself with the use of verbal and non-verbal cues in good communication. Practice the art of small talk and conversation openers. Match your communicating style to those you are conversing with. Your body language should present you as a professional and positive person.
- Be immersed in the conversation. Listen carefully, respond on point, and progress the conversation with questions and issues of your own. It shows your interest in the position and the company. Keep eye contact, nod your head and maintain a pleasant expression. Observe facial expressions and tone of voice, and avoid sudden changes in topic. Be truthful and stick to descriptions that you are confident about. If you find the interviewer aggressive and dismissive, refrain from getting into an argument. Instead, maintain a confident poise and an effortless composure with no sign of discomfort in your demeanor.
- And finally, remember to follow up. Send a quick follow-up email thanking the company and the interviewer for considering your candidature. You could also send in some additional information on any topic of discussion during the interview. It could be an article or a news item you referred to or an industry statistic that cropped up in the conversation. To follow up soon after an interview is considered crucial by many as it shows your genuine interest in the position.
