6 Interview Skills That Will Get You Hired

Preparing for a job interview can increase your chances of getting the job you want. It’s important to tell your professional story and ask good questions during the interview. Good communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, are key to a successful interview.

In this blog post, We will discuss 6 interview skills that can help you explain your value to the company and get closer to your job.

What are interview skills?

6 Interview Skills That Will Get You Hired

When you are trying to get a job, it is crucial to have strong interview skills. Here are 6 important things you can do to impress potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired:

1. Clarify interview questions during the job interview

During an interview, if you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask the interviewer to explain. This shows that you are interested and can communicate well. Here are some tips for give detailed responses to interview questions:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t fully understand a question. It’s better to ask for help than to give the wrong answer.
• If you need a question repeated, just ask. It shows you’re paying attention and want to give a good answer.
• Take your time to think before answering. A well-thought-out response is better than a rushed one.
• If you’re unsure about a question, ask for more information. It’s better to be clear than to give a wrong answer.

Remember, it’s important to make sure you understand the questions in order to give the best responses during an interview. Asking for clarification can also help you learn more about the company and if it’s the right fit for you.

2. Think out loud during the job interview

This helps the interviewer understand your approach and skills. It also shows that you are confident, can communicate well, and think clearly. When answering a question, take a moment to think before responding. Explain your thought process and the steps you would take to solve the problem. Give clear explanations and reasons for your answers.

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s feedback and make any necessary changes to your answers. This shows that you can take feedback, adapt, and work well with others. One common mistake people make in interviews is not knowing how to answer a question. Instead of saying “I don’t know,” it’s better to think out loud and show how you’re approaching the problem. It’s important to be confident but also open to feedback during an interview. Repeat the question and talk through your thinking process. The interviewer might give you a hint if they see you’re trying to figure it out.

3. Communicate nonverbally during the job interview

During a job interview, your body language is just as important as what you say. Practice good nonverbal communication to show confidence and interest. Here are some tips:

• Make eye contact to show you’re engaged.
• Smile to appear friendly and approachable.
• Sit up straight to show professionalism.
• Be mindful of your gestures, like avoiding fidgeting.
• Watch your tone of voice to sound enthusiastic but not overly so.

Remember, your body language can speak volumes during an interview, so practice these tips to make a positive impression.

4. Know your resume in depth before your job interview

Reviewing your resume thoroughly before a job interview is super important. The person interviewing you will likely ask about your skills and background, which are all on your resume.

Here’s why being familiar with your resume is key:

1. Boost confidence: Knowing your resume well can make you feel more confident when talking about your past experiences and achievements.
2. Highlight strengths: If you understand your resume well, you can talk about your strengths and relate them to the job you’re applying for.
3. Avoid mistakes: Checking your resume for errors before the interview can help you fix any issues and appear more prepared.
4. Answer tough questions: Knowing your resume will help you handle tricky questions in the interview, like explaining any gaps in your work history.

It’s a good idea to be able to provide specific details about your accomplishments, like using numbers to show the impact of your work. For example, saying you helped 120 customers per week with a 75% satisfaction rate is more powerful than just saying you provided customer service.

5. Tell a compelling story during your job interview

The project involved many teams, causing confusion about who was responsible for what. It was clear that changes were needed to meet the deadline. I organized a meeting with all the teams to discuss a plan to realign our efforts. I made sure everyone understood their roles to work together smoothly.

By working together closely, we overcame challenges and finished the project on time. This experience showed my leadership and problem-solving skills. During an interview, you have a chance to share a clear and engaging story about yourself. It’s a chance to connect your experiences and skills to what the employer needs, which is more effective than just listing your past responsibilities.

6. Leverage your knowledge of the company and the interviewer during the interview

Showing that you have done your homework about the company and the job you’re interviewing for is really important. It demonstrates your dedication to understanding the company’s values and operations. But it’s not just about showing what you know; it’s also about using that knowledge to show how excited you are about the job and to build a good relationship with the person interviewing you.

One way to do this is by asking the interviewer questions about the company’s current projects and activities. This shows that you are interested in what the company is doing and can help you connect with the interviewer.

It’s also important to be ready to talk about your own work experience and how it fits with the job you’re applying for. Providing specific examples from your past work to show how your skills and expertise match the company’s needs can help the interviewer see how you can contribute to the company’s success.

5 Must-read Books to Boost Your Interview Skills 

It’s normal to be nervous before an interview, but thorough preparation will help you relax and perform well. Reading books that provide helpful insights, methods, and ideas for the interview is one strategy to improve your performance. To help you ace your next interview and land your dream job, we’ve produced a list of five must-read books on the subject.

1. “Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell: If you work in the tech sector, you will find this book to be invaluable. It provides extensive help for technical interviews, covering anything from coding questions to algorithmic puzzles to system architecture. You can rely on this book to help you prepare for technical interviews because it contains over 189 programming questions and detailed answers.
   
2. “Knock ’em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide: Prepare your CV and answer challenging interview questions with the help of this comprehensive guide. It offers helpful advice on how to present yourself in an interview, including how to use your body language and what to say about your qualifications and experience. This manual will give you the edge you need to ace any interview with its helpful exercises and real-world examples.
   
3. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: This classic self-help book is a must-read for everyone wanting to enhance their communication abilities, and not just for interviews. Timeless guidance on how to connect with others, how to listen actively, and how to express oneself clearly is provided. The ability to connect with the interviewer and make a good impression is crucial during the interview process.

4. Interviewing: BONUS INCLUDED! This book is an all-inclusive resource for acing interviews in any field. Important interview skills, including company research, mock interviews, and answering behavioral questions, are all covered. To give you an additional edge in your interview preparation, it also includes a section with sample interview questions and thorough answers.
   

5. “Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation” by Marc P. Cosentino: This book is indispensable if you aspire to work in management consulting and are preparing for job interviews. It includes concepts, methodologies, and sample cases to help you prepare for and succeed in case interviews. This book will prepare you for even the most challenging case interview questions with its hands-on advice and wealth of real-world examples.

Conclusion

In conclusion, honing your interview skills is essential for landing your dream job. By preparing thoroughly, showcasing your strengths, and demonstrating your enthusiasm and confidence, you can impress the interviewer and stand out from other candidates. Remember to practice common interview questions, research the company, and present yourself professionally. With dedication and practice, you can ace your next interview and secure the job you desire.