Job interviews put a lot of pressure on the applicant. Job seekers need to effectively be able to communicate why they are the best candidate for the job, how they fit within a company’s culture, what value they bring to the employer, among other things. These reasons alone are enough to make anyone nervous as they are not everyday topics. In addition, the interviewer needs to be able to give a good first impression and keep it from the very first interaction to the end of the interview. Yet, actively preparing, practicing, and improving your interview skills can help the interview process be much easier and more enjoyable. Here are the best ways to improve your job interviewing skills and make the next interview a breeze.
- Practice professionalism
Make your professionalism and confidence come out naturally. An effective way to accomplish this is by having practice interviews with family, friends, or by recording yourself. Practice your introductions, answering common interview questions, your body language, speech, and your farewells. Keep acting in a professional manner even after your mock interviews, so this type of behavior can become second nature and easily come out during your job interviews. The less you think about the way you act during the interview the smoother the interview process will be; allowing you to portray an approachable and confident persona.
- Know your professional story
Everyone loves a story. That is why knowing your personal story is so important for setting yourself apart from the crowd. Start by learning your resume. Memorize the dates that you started and left each of your previous positions, your skills and qualifications, and any information that might come up during the interview. You want the information that you give during your interview to match that of your resume so that you can build trust with your interviewer. Also, think of stories from your career that show how you solved problems or helped your previous employers succeed. That way you can use them to show your value to the interviewer in an entertaining, persuasive, and easy-to-understand way.
- Become a researcher
Make researching employers a habit. Before any interview, always learn as much as you can about the company and the job description; and find connections with your skills and qualifications. This will allow you to communicate your value effectively during interviews by creating a case on how your skills are necessary for meeting the employer’s needs and business success.
- Practice positivity
Positivity is contagious. Therefore, practice and develop a positive attitude that can persuade interviewers into liking and connect with you. A positive attitude will allow you to see problems differently and find fresh solutions. Even negative questions like “what are your biggest weaknesses” can be turned around with a positive attitude. Even if all else fails, a positive attitude will still leave a strong impression and make you memorable.
- Practice showing interest
You should show interest in the interviewer, the company, and most importantly the position from the beginning to the end of any interview. Practice ways to show how excited and interested you are to be part of the company. Make habit of portraying interest and excitement by always including phrases in your speech like “it is great to finally meet you”, asking smart questions about the company and position, and always sending a thank you letter after your interviews. Remember, candidates that show interest are always above those who do not.
As you can see, you can make interviewing a much more natural and enjoyable experience by proactively improving your job interviewing skills. Try building these habits and see how your communication and confidence naturally improve in your interviews.
Written by
Jose Caceres
Marketing Manager
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