Interview Skills: What You Need

Ok, you are all set, your suite is pressed, your resume looks great and you have plenty of skills and experience for the job. What’s next?

Did you brush up on your interview skills? Do you actually have any interview skills? Do you know what interview skills are?

No matter how good your resume looks or how nice your suite is the place to win or lose that job is in the interview. Let’s face it one of the scariest things you will ever do is go on a job interview especially one for a job you really want and need.

The fact is you may look forward to a root canal with a lot less stress. But the truth is there really is nothing to be afraid of if you have the right skills and know how to use them. As a matter of fact doing a good job on the interview can really showcase all those skills you have worked so hard to hone.

So what skills do you need to get the job?

Confidence: Walking into a job interview with confidence creates a great first impression. You should already know that you are a perfect fit for the position and have the skills and experience needed to offer value to the company. Now show it! This does not mean you should have the attitude that you already have the job or that the world owes you the job. You will need to balance a fine line and not edge into arrogance. No one likes arrogance.

People skills: One of the most basic skills that prospective employers will look for is people skills. More and more companies are focusing on the role of the work team rather then individual performance, therefore friendliness and the ability to work well with others is very important. You can demonstrate people skills right in the interview by being yourself and using the people skills you already have.

Communication: Perhaps the single most important skill on the job as well as in the interview is communication. But remember communication is not just speaking clearly and concisely it is also active listening. So pay attention and ask questions and make sure you understand each other.

Research: Being prepared is very important and part of being prepared includes looking closely at the position you are applying for as well as the company. Learn what you can about the company you are interviewing for and what it stands for, in other words read their website! Most companies today have a web site that lists plenty of wonderful information. Read the site, learn a few things and write down a few questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the position. Remember not only are they looking for someone that fits them but you should look for something that fits you as well. Doing the research also shows the interviewer you really do have the research skills you were bragging about.

Presentation: Presentation skills are another skill you can easily exhibit in a job interview. Remember you are presenting and selling your most valuable item, your skills.

Tip: When answering interview questions try to use a story rather then a single sentence. For instance: Why do you want to be a veterinary assistant?

I want to help animals.(boring and does not show who you are)

When I was a little girl…

Keep it short but tell the real reason why you want the job.

Social skills: One thing that is often overlooked in a job interview is social skills. Social skills include basic manners such as saying please and thank you as well as sending a thank you note to the interviewer the following day. Sending a thank you note is not only good manners but also shows that you understand the person took time out of their busy day to meet with you and shows good follow through skills.

Most experts will tell you to practice for a job interview and that is a good idea but making sure you have the skills needed to nail the interview are just as important. If you are unsure about your skills then you may be unsure during the interview and no matter how great your portfolio and resume are you may be passed over for someone else.

The best way to hone your interview skills is to practice them until you get them right. And one of the best ways to do that is with friends and family. Have friends and family members pretend to interview you and ask you some of the questions you may be asked to answer until you are comfortable with answering them. And make sure your other skills are excellent as well.

One great way to help you build the confidence in your skills is to ask your friends, family and any co-workers what they think of your skills. PlusRated is an excellent place to get the feedback you need to gain a better understanding of what your skills are as well as what you may need to succeed.