Interview skills are obviously important to help you land the job, but in some cases, employees may be very qualified for the job, but have underdeveloped interview skills. Here are some tips to help you stand out during the interview process.
Be Confident
It’s easy to let nerves get the best of you, but the more confident you appear, the more likely the hiring manager will trust your abilities. Confidence can be portrayed with body language, or speech. Make sure to speak clearly, eloquently, and timely. Don’t rush through sentences, or trip up on your words. Keep your head high, make eye contact, and speak with ease. If you aren’t sure what to say, ask a follow-up question before answering. Practice really helps here. You can practice with a friend, or one of our career coaches.
Use Effective Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is very important in an interview. Smile and make sure to make eye contact. Hold your head high, and carry yourself with confidence. You can nod to show active listening, and try not to let your eyes wander from the interviewer. Show you are alert and paying attention to their every word. You can also try to match their body language.
Do Your Research
Conduct your own research on the company and the organization prior to the interview. Going in with some knowledge of the position will show that you are very serious about the position, and that you are genuinely concerned with the company’s success. Read up on industry news, competition, future technology, or anything that you find interesting about the business.