Interview skills examples
Did you know interviewing isn’t just a process? It’s a skill.
Interviewing skills essentially determine which candidate gets hired from a pile of homogenous qualifications.
So, what exactly are these necessary interview skills for getting hired?
What are interview skills?
Whether or not, you end up getting hired depends on how effective you were at selling and branding yourself.
Selling yourself during an interview means showcasing your worth. When selling your skills and competencies to a potential employer, your worth and value as a candidate must be clearly displayed.
Displaying effective interview skills convinces the interviewer you’re the ideal choice! Being their ideal choice therefore, requires:
Research skills
Interview skills starts with relevant knowledge. The relevant knowledge in this case refers to research on:
The job – Don’t simply focus on the job title. Instead focus on the duties involved, the skills and how this position promotes growth. You will need these answers when the interviewer asks, “Why do you want this job”.
The company – it’s one thing just to read the company’s website and memorise their mission statement. However, effective interview skills involve researching the company from an internal, as well as external perspective.
Internal research involves core values, product uses, prices, dress codes and management structure. External research should focus on their reputation in the market, industry news and notable projects or collaborations they’re presently involved.
Preparation
Effective preparation means anticipating interviewer’s questions and crafting appropriate responses. This should not make you sound robotic, but ready for whatever comes your way. You need to be particularly ready if your resume contains information that could potentially be a concern for the interviewer.
These concerns include getting fired or employment gaps within your work history. It is critical to prepare yourself for what questions are likely to arise and how you can answer them in the most marketable way.
Professionalism
If you cannot professionally represent yourself in an interview, how can the interviewer expect you to represent their company in a professional manner?
Your interviewing etiquette must therefore be on point – dressing in professional attire. For corporate environments, your interview attire must be formal business wear. For creative or skilled labour work, you can adopt business casual attire. Additionally, your hygiene and appearance should always reflect clean, polished and well-groomed.
Other tips for effective interview preparation include:
- Turn the cell phone off!
- No chewing of gum
- Cover your tattoos and remove visible facial piercings
- Manners matter – Good morning/good afternoon etc.
- Smile – be pleasant, positive and someone that would be a joy to have around.
Punctuality
No matter how qualified or experienced you are, if you cannot honour a time commitment, your chances of getting hired drastically decrease. Ideally, you should aim to reach around thirty minutes, or atleast 15 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin.
If an incident has occurred, such as a road accident, illness or family emergency that will render you late, call their office and let them know. This not only demonstrates common courtesy, but implies that you respect their time, displays responsibility, professionalism and saves your chances of landing the job.
Communication
Selling your worth requires effective communication. This communication involves:
- Speaking clearly where the interviewer doesn’t have to strain their ears to hear you, or ask you to repeat yourself
- Speaking in a steady pace and articulating your words well
- Simple language – you shouldn’t have the interviewer reaching for a dictionary to understand what you’re saying. Simple and concise language works best. If it’s a highly specialised or technical role, industry jargon is fine.
- No ambiguity – say exactly what you mean and focus on the question on hand. Resist the urge to share unnecessary details or ramble. Keep your answers relatable and relevant to the question.
- No humour – save the light-hearted commentary for later in the interview process where you’re a bit more familiar with the people and your chances of hired are more solid.
- Throw a little emotion in there – practice speaking in a more friendly, conversation style to avoid monotone and causing the interview to drag.
- Tell a story or two – stories are a great way to engage and get your point across, particularly when describing examples of your accomplishments.
Listening
Listening is an essential component of selling and it is your best interest to employ it to make your interview a success. Ideally, you should be:
- Listening attentively to understand the question and then respond accordingly.
- Let the interviewer complete the question before you speak. Failing to do so signals poor listening skills.
- If you have a question, don’t inject it while they’re talking. Listen to what they’re saying and then respond when appropriate.
Show interest
The interviewer wants to find someone who is not only suitably qualified but is passionate and wants to make a career within the company. Therefore, an important interview skill is simply demonstrating your interest. This can primarily be done through non-verbal communication. Pay close attention to your body language and posture. Lean a bit forward in your seat and maintain sufficient eye contact.
Ask questions
The interview process is a two-way conversation. If you fail to ask anything or show any kind of curiosity, it may come across as the interviewer is wasting their time with someone who is not wholeheartedly invested in this position.
Confidence
Selling your skills during an interview means communicating confidently. This involves:
- Assertive tone – speak up clearly, but not too much to be perceived as aggressive or too intense
- Sit properly with your hands placed comfortably on your lap. Keep your head straight and shoulders rounded to appear calm, relaxed yet engaged in the conversation.
- Be sure of the value you provide – once you’re keenly aware of what this company needs and how you can serve them, you can rest confidently in your worth as a candidate.
Follow-up
Selling your value and displaying your professional skills does not end with the interview. Send a thank you note (or email if it’s a virtual interview) to thank the interviewer for their time and reaffirm your interest in the role. This is also considered professional etiquette and a vital interviewing skill to increase your odds of landing the position.
