A job interview is one of the most important encounters you will have in life. Your performance during the interview can have a major impact on your career path. Interviews determine whether or not you will continue to pursue certain opportunities or find new ones. It is always important to be well prepared for interviews regardless of the kind of occupation you seek.
Along with being aware of how qualified you are for the job, you also need to develop your interview skills.
Make sure you understand
One of the interview skills that people tend to downplay is making sure that they fully understand the questions they are being asked. Do not hesitate to seek clarification in case you need the interviewer to make the question clearer. This will ensure that you fully comprehend what you have been asked and get a chance to give the best possible answer. If you are unable to give a timely response, take your time to repeat what you have been asked so that you will be able to think through your response. This shows the interviewer that you are purposefully thinking about the question and making an effort to give a worthwhile response.
Stay confident
During the interview, be conscious of your non-verbal communication. If you tend to fidget or look around the room while being interviewed, you can minimize the possibility of being hired for the job. Interviewers and recruiters pay close attention to your body language because it says a lot about you. Practice your interview skills with the help of a friend or family member to enable you to learn how to maintain confidence while being interviewed. You should be able to make eye contact and have good posture throughout the process. Eye contact shows how interested you are and looking away frequently will show a lack of interest.
Get researching
It is often surprising to discover how many people are not fully aware of what their resume contains. This crucial document should be suitable for the position that you apply for and you need to acquaint yourself with it so that you will be ready to answer questions pertaining to it. Before attending any interview, it is vital for you to carry out thorough research regarding the organization. You also need to understand the position that you have applied for and use this kind of information to gain leverage during the interview. Ample knowledge about the company will show your level of interest and genuine desire to fill the position.
Stay professional
In the highly competitive world of employment, you require interview skills that will distinguish you from other candidates. While you need to be relaxed during the interview process, you still have to maintain a professional attitude. Speak clearly and directly to the person or people who are conducting the interview. Avoid negative responses even when asked about challenging situations you have faced in the past. Each response you give is an opportunity to showcase how much value you will be adding to the company. You need to demonstrate your willingness to learn and develop professionally.
Do you know any other important interview skills? Let us know below.
Photo: Jonathan Mueller / Flickr
Phillip Marshall is a recruitment manager, public speaker and writer. To know more about debt relief visit our site today.
Leave a Reply