Top 5 Essential Interview Skills Required to Get Your Dream Job
The above picture is of a man in a suit sitting outside of an office waiting to be seen. He is smiling.
Top 5 Essential Interview Skills Required to Get Your Dream Job
Everyone is
aware of the classics when it comes to interviewing. Do your homework, know a bit
about the company, have some questions ready, make eye contact and ensure a
firm handshake. However, these things will not necessarily give you a dream
job. There are fewer known essential interview skills that most people are not
aware of. So, what should you know before heading to your next interview?
Think answers out loud
An interviewer will not just require a simple answer – yes, no or direct answers. Sure, you need to be concise and straightforward, but it pays off showing the interviewer how you have actually managed to reach the answer. Lots of people stall when they have no idea how to answer and they often give out the classic one – they do not know. This is actually a big problem, but it can be prevented.
You need to think your answers out loud. Have humble confidence and repeat the question. Work your way through it in a loud manner. You will show them how you actually see things, rather than let them assume things. Plus, if you are not sure about the answer, you may actually get a few hints from the interviewer, which will make your life easier.
Use
nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication works wonders, yet lots of people overlook it. You need to be mindful of your presence, but also aware of your body language. You have to look calm, but also in control. This type of communication speaks volumes about yourself. People rarely practice it, so they show it when they feel nervous.
Moreover, bored and disinterested candidates are quite easy to spot. The best way to avoid such problems is to practice mock interviews with friends. You might as well do it yourself – record yourself and see yourself when you are done. Small improvements will change the way potential employers see you during an interview, so take your time to do things by the book.
Research is critical
The
research most people do is basic – they know what the company does, but this is
pretty much it. Having more clues about the company will impress potential
employers. You need to talk about why you think you are a good fit for the
respective position. You also need to be able to talk about things that are
going on in the community or the company’s culture – such things show interest
and dedication. Knowing how
to prepare for an interview will help you stand out from the competition.
In other
words, researching the position is not everything. What you want to do is
understand how to use such details to your advantage. Research more than just
the job description and company – also take a look at the community in which
the company is located. You can also use social media networks to research the
employer or the interviewer if you know their name – you will most likely find
a common ground to carry a conversation.
Understand your resume
Indeed, you
know where you have worked before or what types of degrees you have. Knowing
your resume inside and out is essential. Being able to provide measurable
specifics about things in your resume will help you provide details without
blabbering or spending too much thinking. A statistic will most likely put your
accomplishments in perspective.
In other words, it is more efficient to show that you have provided excellent customer service to 150 people a week and came up with a 90% resolution that claiming that you provided customer service and handled most issues professionally. Claiming your achievements will give your resume a legitimate profile.
Tell a story
A story
will sell better than a random boring resume. Some managers will search pieces
of information about people they may want to hire. They may even check you out
on social media. You can use the interview to bring everything together and
create a story of who you truly are, as well as what you can offer.
When it comes to accomplishments, you must tie into the employer’s needs for better results.
Conclusion
The bottom line, while these things are often overlooked, they can change
everything in your next interview. Whether you need continuity in your
finances, you want a new career or you simply push for that dream job, these
essential skills will seriously increase your chances.