Interview Skill: Learn These 7 Ways To Improve Your Interview Skill
Like any skill in the corporate world, good interview skill is required. Some may be born to be good speakers and others are good at projecting a good image of themselves to other people, but these talents can definitely be acquired along the way for those who are willing to learn.
Passing the interview is actually a combination of what you inherently have and basic preparations. Here are some tips to help you develop interview skill:
1. Preparation is the key
You will never run out of answers as long as you come prepared. Before you show up for your interview, make sure you know the basic information about the company and the position you are applying for. Visit the company’s website or ask people who may have an idea of how the office works.
Getting to know the company will at least help you answer questions like why you want to be a part of their organization or how you could contribute to its growth.
This is considered as the best interview skill ever.
2. Dress appropriately
Of course, appearances matter. Unless your job limits you to very out-of-the-way places, employers will always want their people to be excellent walking, living advertisements for their company.
Whether you wear a jacket and tie or just a long-sleeved shirt really depends on the nature of the job and the dress code of the company you want to work for. You should include this in your research. Be careful not to come overdressed as your outfit may be the only thing your interviewer will remember about you when you leave the office.
3. Speak to express and not to impress
In terms of app communication skills, interviewers always hate those who (1) say very little, you literally have to squeeze information out of them, and (2) have a lot to say and it’s hard to stop them.
Be neither. When you’ve done your homework as discussed in #1, you’ll always have something to say. On the other hand, remember that anything you say can be used against you, so be careful about saying things that are only relevant to work. The interviewer doesn’t have the luxury of time to listen to your life story no matter how interesting it sounds.
Don’t forget the following important gestures: shake hands, make eye contact, and smile.
By the way, it’s also rude to answer your phone in the middle of the interview. The interviewer is giving you his full attention, which must also be paid with yours.
4. Know your facts
It’s ironic if you don’t memorize information about yourself by heart. This specific interview skill is the easiest to have. You have no right to mess this up. Most companies will ask you to complete a separate application form and personal data sheet, even if you have submitted your resume in advance. You must be ready with your answers.
5. Develop your listening skills
Communication is a two way thing. You can’t always talk, as there are times when you also need to listen.
It is misleading to give answers that are completely unrelated to what is being asked, just because the other person was not listening carefully.
6. Avoid badmouthing past employers
First, it is in the past. Second, there are thousands of ways to skin a cat, which means there are thousands of ways to explain why you left your previous job because your boss was a jerk. And third, the interviewer may know your previous boss or the company. It is a small world after all. Swearing or swearing are definitely interview skills that should not be developed at all.
7. Be grateful enough to say thank you.
A thank you letter is the best way to go. It gives the company a good impression of you and a chance to recap your selling points. Skills need practice to improve. Interview skills don’t develop overnight either. If you think you didn’t do well in the first interview, replay the whole episode in your mind and make a note of things you need to improve. This will give you more confidence in the next job opportunity.
Besides, that first venture probably wasn’t meant for you.