Interview Skills PDF

Interview Skills Interview skills are the emotional and tactical techniques that make job seekers more effective when interviewing for a new position. These skills are important to gain, just like the technical skills and workplace skills you need to perform well in a position. Improving your inter...

Interview Skills Interview skills are the emotional and tactical techniques that make job seekers more effective when interviewing for a new position. These skills are important to gain, just like the technical skills and workplace skills you need to perform well in a position. Improving your interview skills can make a significant difference in your job search. Stages of an Interview 1. Before the Interview 2. During the Interview a. Beginning of the Interview b. Middle of the Interview c. End of the Interview 3. After the Interview Before the Interview Self-Preparation : Write down your personal and professional strengths, including the accomplishments you’re most proud of, your values, and your job experience. Reference your resume, cover letter, and the details of any prior projects, if needed. Self-preparation can put your own strengths at the forefront of your mind and make it easier to articulate them in a conversation. o Practice Common Questions, like, ▪ Tell me about yourself. ▪ What are your strengths and weaknesses? ▪ Why do you want to work here? Prepare Your Own Questions, some insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the company, ▪ What does success look like in this position? ▪ Can you describe the team I would be working with? o Research the Company: Understand its mission, values, culture, and recent news. This shows your interest and helps you tailor your answers. Write down specific ways you can contribute to the company and be a part of its mission, beyond what you may have outlined in a resume or cover letter. o Mastering your emotions : Even with thorough preparation, the experience of anticipating a job interview can feel both exciting and stressful. Mastering your emotions can help you stay calm during the interview process, so you can focus on making the best decision for your career. To build emotional resilience for your job search, review your self-preparation and company research notes several times. This can give you a confidence boost before the interview.  Deep breathing to calm your nervous system To reduce jitters on the day of the interview, try deep breathing. Get in a comfortable position and slowly inhale, filling your lungs with air. Hold your breath for five counts or longer, and then slowly exhale until you release all the air. Repeat this exercise several times. o Communication : Brushing up on your communication skills can help you to establish a rapport with your interviewer. Verbal communication skills include choosing your words carefully and describing your qualifications clearly. Nonverbal communication skills include smiling, nodding, and making eye contact. Practice good communication in advance by observing your body language in front of a mirror. Ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you. During the interview itself, it’s okay to speak slowly and deliberately, and even pause to consider how you’d like to answer the interviewer’s questions. o Know the Job Description: Be familiar with the requirements and responsibilities. Match your skills and experiences to what the employer is looking for. o Plan Your Attire: Dress appropriately for the company culture, leaning towards professional. Logistical planning : Plan to arrive early.... Arrive 5-15 minutes early. Do not arrive too early, but not late either. During the Interview Beginning of the Interview Inform the secretary/receptionist that you have an interview, whom it is with and the time of the interview When meeting the interview, look them in their eyes, shake hands firmly, smile and be confident. Keep the communication positive. Watch your posture. Let the interviewer lead the interviewer. Remember to SMILE. Don’t chew gum, curse, fidget, etc. Middle of the Interview Focus on non-verbal communication : Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. Be aware of your body language, posture and tone of voice. These non-verbal cues convey confidence. Show your Listening skills : Listen carefully to each question asked. Be Clear and Concise: Answer questions directly. Be thorough with your answers. Know your resume well and be prepared to answer questions. Be Positive: Focus on positive experiences and avoid speaking negative about past employers or colleagues. Express your willingness to learn. Show Enthusiasm: Express your interest in the position and the company. Enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates. If you do not understand the question, ask the interviewer for further explanation. It is okay to take a moment to organize your thoughts before answering difficult questions. Don’t focus on your weaknesses or your negative attributes, discuss personal issues, or salary/benefits unless initiated by the interviewer.  End of the Interview Ask job-related questions you prepared for the interview. If offered the job immediately, be prepared to discuss salary, benefits, work hours. You do not need to give them an immediate answer. If you are told that you will be contacted, ask about how long it will be. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest with the company/organization. Shake hands firmly on the way out. After the Interview (Follow up) Send a Thank-You Note: be thoughtful and brief. A brief email thanking the interviewer for their time can reinforce your interest and leave a positive impression. Reflect on Your Performance: Consider what went well and what could be improved for future interviews. IMPORTANT Do’s End on a positive note 5 C's—Competence, Communication, Confidence, Character, and Curiosity Prepare by researching the company and the job, and rehearse your answers to common questions. During the interview, actively listen and ask thoughtful questions, showcasing your curiosity and interest. Do not forget to follow up with a gracious thank-you note. DONT’S arriving late, dressing inappropriately, speaking negatively about past employers, and failing to answer questions fully or truthfully.