How to Improve Your Interview Skills

How to Improve Your Interview SkillsHow to Improve Your Interview SkillsA job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do is going to either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention. It doesnt take much to make an impression - good or bad. Interviewing is a competitive game, and even little things can make a big difference when youre trying to get hired. If you havent taken the time to dress appropriately or if you say the wrong thing, it could be over before it starts. Its important to be the candidate who makes the best impression, rather than the person who blows the interview and doesnt get a shot at the job. Improving Your Interview Skills Take the time to prepare for your interviewby knowing whats on your resume, being able to present why you are qualified for the job, to share why you are interested in the company, and by practicing staying calm and focused. Its important to remember that the image the in terviewer has of you when he or she first meets you is the one that is going to last. Taking the time to brush up your interview skillsbefore you get on the phone or head out to an in-person interview will help you nail the interview and secure a job offer. Know the Facts Review your work history - and make aya what you say matches whats on your resume. Take the time to learn about the company and about the job youre applying for. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to handle interview questions and pitch your qualifications to the hiring manager.What You Do Say Matters Yourverbal communicationsare important. Dont use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. If you need to think about aresponse to an interview question, thats fine. Its better to think before you talk than to stumble over your words. Practice answering someinterview questions, so youre comfortable responding to the most common questions employers ask. What You Dont Say Can Hurt Your Chances What you dont say can - and will - be used against you in a job interview. If you come to an interview chewing gum or drinking coffee, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant wont help either.Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking or texting on your cell phone or listening to music while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike, and you could be done with your candidacy before you even say a word.On the flip side, you can use non-verbal communication to impress the interviewer.What you dont say during an interview is as important as what you do say. Whats important, when interviewing, is to appear professional and attentive throughout theinterview process. Remember to Focus on Listening It can be easy to get distracted during a job interview. Its stressful, and youre in the hot seat when it comes to having to respond to questions. That said, if you do your best to listen to w hat the interviewer is asking, it will be easier to frame appropriate responses. Listen carefully and take the time to frame a thoughtful response to each of the questions youre asked.Have Questions Ready to Ask Be prepared to respond when youre asked whether you have any questions. You can ask about the job, the company, and about any details that youd like to know more about. Thank Your Interviewer Before you leave the interview, be koranvers to thank the interviewer for their time, and for considering you for the position. Then follow up with an email message or thank you letterthat reiterates your interest in the position, and your thanks for being considered. More Job Interview Tips Review tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success.