10 Interview Skills You Must Have To Ace Your Interview

Most times, it’s not about preparing and going for interviews when called upon but having the necessary interview skills to land that job.

Your skills move most employers, so you should indicate skills you are good at.

Asides from that, wooing your employers with the answers you give when asked certain questions can lead to immediate employment.

This is why you must brace yourself with the necessary interview skills before going for an interview.

In this article, we will highlight what interview skills are and how beneficial they are.

Interview Skills you must have

What are Interview Skills?

Interview skills make a person interested in a new position to be effective during elections.

Many interview skills help candidates prepare for an interview and also serve as a guide.

In companies or agencies, employers conduct interviews to weigh the candidate’s intellectual quotient and skills.

Also, they scrutinize your behaviors and attitudes to know if it meets organizational needs.

Not making it to the final list doesn’t mean you are good enough. It only means you should go back and develop your interview skills in order to do well next time.

Know where you are lacking and what you need to know to succeed in interviews, and fill it up.

Types of Interviews

There are different types of interviews you need to know. But we will be looking at five (5) They are:

  • Formal and Informal Interviews
  • Sequential and Panel Interviews
  • Group Interview
  • Situational Interview
  • Phone or video call interview

#1. Formal and Informal Interviews

A formal interview, just as the name implies, is a well-planned interview. The questions, time, date, and dress code are prepared before the interview. Also, you need to learn to brace yourself for your interview skills.

An informal interview is not as planned as a formal interview. The communication is conformal but casual, and the questions are also random.

Read this How to Improve Communication Skills and be Effective in the Workplace 

#2. Sequential and Panel Interviews

Sequential is for different interviews. The questions are repeatedly asked to know how you answer questions and if you will keep repeating the same answers.

In Panel interviews, we have different interviewers asking candidates questions.

#3. Group Interview

It happens in colleges. Here, candidates are evaluated at once, and a few are selected.

#4. Situational Interview:

Here a problem is placed before candidates, and they are asked how they will deal with it. With your interview skills, you will be able to know how to answer.

#5. Phone/Video Interview:

This is an interview done through call or video. It was more rampant during the covid-19.

10 Interview Skills You Need To Have

Below are a few interview skills you should have:

#1. Preparation

Never go for an interview unprepared. Do your research about the company you are called up for an interview. Going unprepared can affect you, and most employers detect that easily.

Few actions to consider while preparing

  • Read the description of the job and the requirements of that role
  • Come up with answers to questions related to that position
  • Check your resume and cover letter to know how you presented yourself to the company.
  • Prepare examples from previous workplace experiences and challenges so you would know how to structure your answers.

#2. Research

This is one interview skill you should have. You must research the company and position you are applying for.

You can review their website, check out their social media handles, and connect with any employees if possible.

Take time to get to know the company and what they expect of you in that position.

#3. Punctuality

Another interview skill you shouldn’t joke with. Make sure to arrive at the interview venue before the scheduled time.

Plan your outfit and have a copy of your resume and cover letter with you the night before the interview date.

#4. Be Professional

Be very professional when going for an interview. Let your dressing be corporate. Use professional language when interacting with individuals you find in the same environment.

Be polite and greet your interviewer professionally too.

#5. Good Communication

This is another must-have interview skill. Knowing how to communicate helps you present yourself professionally.

Avoid abbreviated words, avoid interrupting your hiring manager, and also match your communication style with him.

#6. Listening

Developing listening skills helps you stand out from others. Learn to listen and not just to hear. Ask questions to be clarified on any issue.

Use non-verbal cues to show you are listening, and note the employer’s cues.

You can also check: Interview with Hiring Manager: 8 Ways Excel in 2023 

#7. Ask Questions

Ask questions when the employer is giving you the opportunity. Draft out relevant questions to ask.

Asking questions is one interview skill employers use to know smart candidates who show genuine interest in their company.

#8. Build Confidence

Building your confidence is one of the interview skills. Instead of only boasting about your qualifications, why not exude your sense of confidence?

This would leave an impact on your hiring manager. It shows them you believe in yourself and what you can do.

Discuss your skills and expertise more confidently.

#9. Show Interest

Shows you are excited about that company and the position you are applying for. It gives you an edge over someone who isn’t interested or lacks interest.

#10. Follow up

This interview skill is great, as it leaves your name on the back of the hiring manager.

After the interview, you can do a follow-up. You can send a thank you message or an email. It will give the employer a hint about your interest in the company and position.

Conclusion

It’s not only about going for an interview or accepting calls but also having the necessary interview skills to land your dream job.

Develop it, build it, and use it to your advantage.

References

  • Ask Talent Services – What is an Interview, and what Types of Interviews
  • Indeed – 10 Skills You Need To Ace Your Next Interview
  • Forbes – 10 Ways To Build Confidence

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