Even though most jobs don’t require smooth talking skills, getting through the interview often does. You don’t have to answer every interview question perfectly, but you can improve your interview skills. Here are 10 interview skills that will help you land the job.
1. Do your background research.
This may not seem like an actual interview skill, but it is. If you walk into an interview saying, “Now, what do you do again?” and “Do you guys have funding yet?” you’re doomed before you begin. No matter how sparkly your personality is, you have to do the background research.
2. Be polite to everyone.
You may have heard stories of people who were rude to the receptionist, cut someone off in the parking lot, or yelled at the barista at the coffee shop around the corner and then didn’t get the job. These things happen, and they can ruin your chances. I will never, ever, not in a million years hire the person who is rude to the receptionist or barista. Many recruiters and hiring managers feel the same.
To keep reading, click here: 10 Interview Skills You Need to Get Hired (and How to Improve at Them)
Suzanne, thanks for sharing these tips. I know they are very valuable for people who are getting ready for a job interview. One thing I always tell job seekers is that an interview is a dialogue – meaning it is an exchange between two parties. As much as a company is looking for the right candidate for a job, the candidate should be looking for the right company and culture. I believe that small mindset shift helps people approach the conversation with more confidence and present themselves more authentically. I wanted to share for the benefit of others. 🙂 -S
Good point – the interview is a dialogue between the 2 parties. I have interviewed a lot of young people (probably interviewing for their first “office” job) who will answer my questions but do not offer to elaborate, or ask questions back. It is maddening!
This was a fantastic list of points! Excellent article! 🙂