8 Steps to Improve Your Interviewing Skills

Polish up your interviewing skills, on your way to getting that dream job.

Interview Techniques and Tips

Even with the technological advancements of today, the “basics” of getting hired for a job are still the same as they have ever been. The basics still apply if you are seeking a job from a small firm or mega-firm.

First up is to determine which career is right for you. After you have written your new career resume and career change cover letter, its time to distribute them to potential employers. Then aim to get job interviews.

If you are not sure how to write an outstanding cover letter, this resource might help. Or if you need help writing a professional resume, click here.

Who Else Wants Their Phone Ringing Off The Hook With Quality Job Interviews?

Be friendly and polite when you are arranging an interview time and date. The assistant or receptionist who arranges interview appointments can provide beneficial information that can assist you in the interview. For instance, background on your prospective boss and/or of the company itself.

Once you have secured an interview time, it is imperative to be punctual. Know where the interview will be conducted and be there with plenty of time to prepare yourself before the scheduled interview. Allow a bit of extra time for this.

Be aware of how you speak and how you posture yourself. For instance, try not to slouch, as this will leave a negative first impression.

8 easy steps on how you can improve your interviewing skills:

1. Do your research.

Learn what you can about the prospective employer. Use whatever resources are available to do some background information on the company. Clarify a clear picture of the company profile.

Prepare a list of commonly asked interview questions.

It is best to be spontaneous with your answers. Try not to sound scripted when responding to these questions if they happened to be asked during the job interview.

2. Interview preparation.

Dress is important, so be sure to dress appropriately. Your appearance will be the first impression that your prospective employer has of you, so do all you can to make it a great impression.

Be courteous.

Avoid unnecessary distraction, for instance turn off your cell phone.

3. Start with a positive note.

Make eye contact with the interviewer(s). Greet the interviewer politely; give a firm handshake, a wear a friendly smile. Thank those present for allowing the time for the interview. At some point you will be asked to sit, and this is the time for. Don’t take the initiative to sit beforehand.

4. It’s important to be Confidence and honest when you answer the interviewer’s questions. Be concise and accurate.

Take this attitude into the job interview:

Ask not what your company can do for you, but what you can do for your company!

This will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.

Don’t give a negative impression of your last employer, stay in a positive frame of mind.

Be confident, even if it is your first interview. What you lack in experience, you can counter it with your enthusiasm and eagerness.

A note on confidence. Do be afraid to sell yourself, however it is important not to be over the top and over confident. Experienced interviewers will see right through you.

5. Don’t react to interviewers

Don’t react to interviewers that may appear to be trying to intimidate you. It is often their intention to see how you respond to adversity. Stay calm, and don’t take it personally. Stick to your game plan.

6. Take initiative

Take the initiative and ask relevant questions during the interview. Don’t leave it up to the interviewer to do all the talking.

7. Concluding the interview

Don’t end the interview with questions about the salary and benefits. If you are not aware of them prior to the interview, then now is not the time.

Your lasting impression should be of your positive traits and strengths.

When exiting, be sure to thank all present for their time again.

8. The follow up.

Send a Thank-You- Note, with reference to the interviewer for taking time out to see you and for giving you an opportunity.

The author of this article is Priya Nagrale. One can find the latest updates of interview techniques tips from her blog SureRecruitment. She has research in career, education, and job-related tips which she expresses in the form of Career and job-related tips through her blog.