Search
Share
A job or career is an integral part of life. Interviews can be intimidating, even for the most experienced professional.
The interview process of speaking about yourself – your qualifications, education, and even your hobbies – is enough to give anyone sweaty palms and heart palpitations.
From your non-verbal communication to verbal responses, the interviewer assesses your soft skills based on the answers you provide and compares you to other candidates. The process is critical and your answers boost you to the top of the list or negatively set you apart from the competition.
A solid set of polished interview skills and a positive attitude can make the process less stressful. Everyone can benefit from overhauling their interview skills, from first-time job seekers to seasoned executives.
Keep reading to explore 13 essential interview skills that will enhance your opportunity to make a positive impression and help you secure the job of your dreams.
What Are Interview Skills?
Interview skills are behaviors used throughout the interview process to make yourself a more attractive candidate.
Being prepared is crucial. Ask yourself – am I ready for this interview? Confidence, adaptability, enthusiasm, and asking questions are valuable skills.
The ability to speak to your talent, accomplishments, and goals will set you apart. Communicate effectively while actively listening, using confident body language, displaying problem-solving, and portraying professionalism.
The most successful interviews are conversations and an exchange of information. Interviews should not feel like an interrogation.
You Might Also Like: Most in Demand Skills List to Add to LinkedIn
The ability to speak to your talent, accomplishments, and goals will set you apart. Communicate effectively while actively listening
Is a 13 Minute Interview Good?
The length of an interview does not always indicate its success. A human resource person identifies a candidate’s qualities and shortfalls ahead of the interview, preparing questions ahead of time. .
Think about the conversation. If you effectively convey your skills, experiences, and suitability for the role, a 13-minute interview could be acceptable..
However, if you feel the interview ended prematurely and you missed the opportunity to express yourself, the interview might have been unproductive.
What Is the STAR Method When Interviewing?
An employer seeks the best fit for the company and it’s up to you to convince the interviewer that you’re the best candidate. Be prepared to answer questions about your accomplishments.
The STAR method helps you articulate your responses.
STAR is an acronym for:
- Situation: Describe the context or background of the position you were in.
- Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced
- Action: Describe the specific actions taken to address the task or challenge.
- Result: Share the results of your actions, focusing on your achievements and learning.
Using the STAR method to answer interview questions helps you present your responses thoughtfully, so the interviewer will understand your capabilities and potential.
You Might Also Like: How To Get Promoted At Work
Our List of 13 Interview Skills Ideas for You
Perfecting your interview skills can significantly improve your chances of landing your dream job.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of 13 of the most essential interview areas:
1) Look the Part:
Before you walk through the door, it’s important to look professional and make a great first impression. Jobs Interview Outfits: What To Wear To Land Any Job is helpful.
2) Research and Preparation:
Research the company, its culture, and the role you’re applying for. Understand the industry trends and how the company fits within them. Get familiar with the job description and align your skills and experiences accordingly.
3) Effective Communication:
Clearly articulating your thoughts is crucial. Practice storytelling that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements. Use professional language and stay away from slang terms.
4) Active Listening:
Listening is a key part of great communication. Pay close attention to the interviewer. Respond appropriately, and ask relevant follow-up questions. Active listening shows respect and engagement.
5) Non-verbal Communication:
Your body language says a lot about you. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and use positive gestures, showing confidence and interest in the conversation.
6) Confidence:
Be self-assured and believe in yourself. Highlight your skills, but don’t be afraid to acknowledge shortcomings. Confidence comes from knowing your worth.
7) Flexibility:
Every interview is different. Be ready to adapt to unexpected questions or any changes in the interview schedule. Demonstrating flexibility can show that you’re resilient and can handle uncertainty.
8) Problem-solving Skills:
Show your ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems. Use examples from your past experience where you’ve used creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
9) Teamwork and Collaboration:
Employers want candidates that work well with others. Provide examples of situations or projects where you collaborated with a team to achieve positive results.
10) Professionalism:
Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and use professional language. Treat everyone you meet with respect.
11) Self-awareness:
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses shows emotional intelligence. Recognize any weaknesses as areas for improvement.
12) Enthusiasm and Passion:
Show genuine excitement for the job and the company. Enthusiasm can be contagious and shows the interviewer you’re motivated to succeed.
13) Negotiation Skills:
Be able to discuss the job offer. Negotiate terms such as salary, benefits, and work hours while being fair, realistic, and respectful.
Only some interviews end with an offer, but the interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door. A short thank-you note to the interviewer often sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember that interviewing is a skill in itself. Take every interview as an opportunity to learn and grow.
You Might Also Like: All the Communication Styles in the Workplace
Main Takeaways
Job interviews can be daunting. An interview is not a one-sided evaluation but an exchange of information. It’s your opportunity to showcase skills and experiences while determining if the organization and position align with your goals.
Every interview is a learning experience. Even if you don’t land the job, you better understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
Keep honing these 13 skills, and you’ll be well on your way to acing your next job interview.
Don't forget to share this article!
Meet Amphy
The largest marketplace for live
classes, connecting and enriching
humanity through knowledge.
Find Online Teachers
Back to top