Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview

23 September 2024

Got called for an interview for that dream job you have wanted for a long time?

Well, congratulations for starters! Secondly, are you ready with the top interview skills? Ensuring that you are putting your best foot forward!

Do not worry, this doesn’t automatically mean you are underprepared. Your confidence to ace the interview will get half of the job done!

However, to improve your interview game, you should know what the experts say about a guaranteed interview win.

Especially the skills that can help you achieve that goal!

Top Interview Skills – Preparing For A Win

A good interview is more than just an opportunity to show off your resume or learn about a new company.

It’s about having key interview skills to help you shine above the competition. From communication skills to problem-solving abilities, here are the skills you need to start polishing.

Got an interview for your dream job? Great!

The tricky part is getting the job.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help with your interview prep. Let’s begin with the following:

The 5 Cs Of A Job Interview

Here’s a job interview preparation framework: the 5Cs. Five qualities you should try to convey at your interview to be successful.

1. Confidence Is The Key!

Confidence is indeed the key. Employers want to hire people who can perform well under pressure and believe in their abilities.

You can come with many skills, but how would they know if you cannot showcase them?

However, keep in mind that confidence doesn’t have to be loud and on someone’s face.

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Be assertive but also respectful and open to learning.

How do you express confidence?

Start with eye contact, a firm handshake, and positive body language. Know your strengths, but also be ready to discuss your weaknesses and how you’ve worked to improve them.

2. Can You Provide Clarity?

Be clear and concise with your words.

Stuttering, pausing, or slipping in thoughts will make you appear unconfident. This doesn’t mean you cannot pause between your answers. Whenever you feel like you need to take a break, always do so with confidence.

It will also give the impression that you didn’t memorize the answers but rather know how to have a proper conversation.

Take it slow, and do not chew on your words. It makes the interviewer aware of nervousness! Plus, learn how to answer basic interview questions using clear & succinct lines. Don’t be absolutely clueless there and take your time thinking.

The more focused your answers are, the better you can convey what you think.

3. Curiosity Won’t Kill The Cat Here

Be curious about everything and always be ready to learn. Curiosity keeps the mind engaged and open to new ideas and possibilities, making you a better problem-solver and decision-maker. Plus, your curious questions can also hold the conversation better.

Show genuine interest in the role and company. It is not a surprise that employers love a candidate who is inquisitive and shows they are keen to learn/grow. Ask questions about the company culture, future goals, challenges, etc. Here are some of the unique interview questions to ask employers.

4. Try To Be Calm!

Staying calm is most important in any kind of interview situation. Being mindful, calm, and present are some of the top interview skills out there!

I know it is not easy, and you are totally panicking if it is a dream job, and you do not want to mess up!

But trust me, thinking and losing your sleep over it will not bring you any positive results. The employer wants to see if the person can think clearly and answer thoughtfully, even if you are nervous.

So, take a deep breath, smile, and if you need a few seconds before answering, that’s alright!

5. Are You Competent For The Job

Again, it could be a dream job, but do not apply for a role (especially in a higher position) if you are not sure!

This is one of the reasons why understanding your competency for the job is crucial. It is not about putting yourself down but knowing your strengths & weaknesses well.

If needed, you can also ask the recruiter beforehand to explain the job role in detail.

Your experience will show your Competence, skills, and how much you know about the job you are being interviewed for. Read the job description properly and respond in a targeted way, describing how your experience fits the role.

Dos & Don’ts Of An Interview

Knowing what to do and not do in an interview can make all the difference. Here are some important dos and don’ts to help you present yourself as a true professional.

Here is what you should do during your job interview:

Do Some Company Research

Before you even get to the interview, make sure you know what you’re getting into. You’ll be able to answer and ask questions more effectively if you’ve taken the time to learn about the company’s history, culture, and goals.

Do Dress Appropriately

First impressions are everything. Dressing appropriately will show that you take the interview seriously and understand the company’s culture. When in doubt, dress business casual unless the culture of the company says otherwise.

Do Listen Attentively

An interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen to what your interviewer is saying and respond accordingly.

Being a good listener is also one of the crucial interview skills. This will demonstrate that you can work well with others in the workplace.

Now, here is what you shouldn’t do.

Don’t Over-talk Or Interrupt

While it’s important to provide thorough answers, you don’t want to monopolize the conversation. Answer the question and then stop talking. Let the interviewer guide the discussion, and don’t talk over them.

Don’t Say Anything Bad About A Former Employer

Don’t badmouth your former employer Even if you didn’t have a great experience at your last job.

Potential employers are looking for candidates who can remain professional and positive in difficult situations.

Which Skills Do I Need In An Interview?

Interviewing is all about presenting your best self, and that starts with showcasing your skills. You don’t just want to show that you’re qualified on paper.

Yes, you also want to demonstrate that you can effectively and comfortably communicate your qualifications in person.

So, here are the top six skills employers look for when they interview candidates!

1. Clear Communication

Clear and effective communication is key for any successful interview. You need to articulate your thoughts, respond to questions, and share your views in an easy-to-understand manner.

Practice speaking clearly and using professional language without unnecessary jargon.

2. Critical Thinking

You may be a natural problem solver and excel in critical thinking or need to work on it. If the latter is the case, it is time for you to polish your critical and quick-thinking skills. A good way to do so is by joining a workshop on interview skills.

Many employers will want to know how you have dealt with difficult situations in the past. Here is your opportunity to let them see your problem-solving skills.

Think of examples when you devised creative solutions to hard problems.

3. Adaptability

In today’s ever-changing job market, flexibility is the name of the game. You cannot be afraid of change and think you will fixate on the same skills and the same means for years on end.

The whole corporate scene is getting dynamic, which means there is a new change at every corner. Therefore, demonstrate that you can adapt to change and be open to new ideas and challenges.

You can also give examples of when you were forced to be fluid and how you thrived in a new environment.

4. The Ability To Lead

Leadership skills are essential Even if you’re not applying for a management position. After all, you would want to give the impression that one day you will be capable enough to lead a team.

Especially if someone asks you about your five-year plan, this shows that you can take initiative, guide others, and make decisions when needed.

Share examples where you demonstrated leadership qualities, even in small tasks or team collaborations.

5. Technical Skills

The digital trends are growing at an unsteady pace, and you will need to adapt quickly!

For many positions, you’ll also need specific technical skills, whether it’s the ability to use certain software, machines, or tools or expertise in a particular methodology.

Familiarize yourself with the technical skills needed for the position and mention them in your response.

What’s The Best Answer To “Tell Me About Yourself”?

Ah, the dreaded “Tell me about yourself” interview question! No amount of interview skills can prepare you for that!

This one is tough because it’s so open-ended. Yes, you don’t want to give too much away and tell your life story, but you also need to give a well-rounded answer. Here’s how to nail it.

First, give a quick background of your career thus far, including only things that are pertinent to this job application. Briefly mention a few big achievements that might pique their interest (make them want to keep reading!).

Then, please talk about your skills and how they relate specifically to this role. Finish your statement by explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you’ll help the company as a result.

Here Is A Good Example Of This Question:

“I’ve spent the past five years working as a digital marketing specialist, where I helped companies grow their online presence and customer engagement. I got to work on some cool campaigns, like a social media campaign that increased our client’s online sales by 30%.

Not only did I learn the ins and outs of SEO, content strategy, and data analytics in my role, but this is also what you’re looking for! I’m super excited to bring my skills to your team and help drive your digital marketing efforts!”

You should also read 10 interview questions, for better preparation!

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

How To Impress A Recruiter If You Are Still A Student

Most human resources managers are looking for people with at least two years of working experience. It may frustrate student and fresh grad when they are applying for entry jobs. These days a lot of young people apply for unpaid internships in order to get some experience that they can add to their CVs. This system doesn’t care much about people in their 20s who have to pay bills and student loans. On top of that, there is no guarantee that an internship will provide you with valuable experience. And, that after completing it, you will get a real contract with all the perks. When you apply for a job, you should expect to learn everything from scratch anyway. So, why do you need to pay for your experience? You have the chance to find an entry-level job without years of experience and actually get paid for it. That’s how you can impress the HR manager during the first job interview in your life: Write A Powerful CV Your customized resume can help you stand out from the crowd. Usually, a recruiter has thousands of them in the email box. According to James Cook University Online, HR managers spend only seven seconds reviewing an individual resume. Don’t waste the time of your potential boss and make your CV look as professional as possible. One page of your resume should contain all the information: a summary on the top, highlights, accomplishments, experience, and education. If you send a digital copy of your CV, attach your cover letter and the link to your LinkedIn profile. Do this even if it is not required since it will show the HR manager that you are a very diligent and hard-working person. It is recommended to write a personalized cover letter - use the company name and describe yourself as a perfect candidate depending on the requirements. Indeed, writing a personalized cover letter and modifying your CV every time you are applying for a job might take a lot of time. On the other hand, this practice will give you a better chance to get a response from your potential employer. Students get lost when it comes to the ‘work experience’ section. You can include your summer/Saturday jobs, volunteering experience, school and university projects, work shadowing, and work placements. Feel free to treat your extra-curricular activities like jobs. If you don’t have any volunteering experience, maximize your education and list relevant skills and strengths. Also, you can ask your professor to give you a reference in case you are applying for a job that is somehow related to your degree. Before applying for a job, take care of your online presence. Delete party pictures and silly selfies since there is a high chance that your recruiter will do a little bit of online digging. Use your social media accounts to your benefit. For instance, you can show off some of your skills on a portfolio website, Instagram or Facebook. The most important rule is to keep it professional. Apply For The Right Job: Applying for a position related to your studies will increase your chances to get a job. If you find a job ad that sounds interesting, but you have no idea what the company is dealing with, don’t bother and keep looking for something that can match your qualifications. Do Your Research: You should prepare before going for a job interview. Learn more about the company and find people on LinkedIn who are already working there. That’s how you can get an insight into a job you will be doing. Most probably, the HR manager will ask you what you know about their company. It is the way they check how interested you are in this job. Besides telling your potential employer the basic facts that you will learn from the company website and social media channels, make sure to compliment a company. Behave Appropriately: If you really want to get that job, you should take the whole hiring process seriously. Learn the basic interview etiquette: Show on time and dress appropriately. Style your hair and don’t use strong perfume. Let the interviewer lead the conversation and don’t interrupt. You will have the chance to ask all your questions at the end of the meeting. Sit properly and use your body language to communicate better with HR. For instance, avoid crossing your arms and staring at the floor when you answer the question. The bottom line: Every student and fresh grad can get a well-paid job. To increase your chances of getting a job during or after college, write a powerful CV and cover letter. Also, make sure you have a positive online presence; delete photos and posts that paint you in a bad light. Apply to the job that is relevant to your qualifications and skills. Before going for your first interview, research a company and prepare to answer the most common job interview questions. The right attitude and behavior will help you find a job faster. Read Also: Is Polyester Stretchy? – Its Materials & Properties [Detailed Explanation] Top 6 Different Types Of Scarves Names And Its Benefits How to Thicken Chili – Tried and Tested

The Art of Answering Hard Interview Questions

Navigating hard interview questions can be a challenge most job seekers face. Especially when these tough questions do not have a correct answer! Knowing how to answer tricky questions while maintaining professionalism can set you apart. Below, we break down some of the difficult interview questions asked during interviews. Then, offer strategies for crafting solid responses and outline the professional etiquette necessary to leave that long-lasting positive impression. #Hard Question 1 - “Tell me about yourself.” This is more of a statement than a question, but it's the opening question so many people have trouble with. It's the simplest thing imaginable, yet people seem to need to learn how to do it. The trick here is that you don’t have to tell your entire life story; in fact, please don’t. Stick to basic information and then cut to educational and professional qualifications, which can help you in the job role you are interviewing for. #Hard Question 2 - “What are Your Weaknesses?” I know that everyone says not to do this. You know be all quirky and make a witty joke! Not very ideal interview skills. But interviewers now really appreciate quick wits! I recently, however, did it in a big interview. My answer to this question was: "Since I am assuming there is a finite amount of time for each applicant, and there are many qualified applications, my biggest weakness would be running out of time to tell you how fantastic I am." It worked, too. One of the serious ones even had a light hint of a grin on her face! It’s a bit of a trap, but interviewers just want to know that you’re self-aware and working on it. Nobody’s perfect, so feel free to use a real one. Just make sure it’s not a disqualifying one. For example, do not give stupid and vague answers like "I am a perfectionist, and since I always tend to give a perfect copy of my work, it affects my mental health." Derailing mental health because of crippling OCD is a serious condition, and you shouldn't be using this to put yourself on a pedestal! #Hard Question 3 - “How Are You Working on Your Weaknesses?” Among the hard interview questions, weaknesses will take a good chunk of it. If you answer the previous question well, this question will inevitably come your way! Example: “I’m trying to improve my presentation skills. I’ve been joining Toastmasters and practicing my speaking.” “I am currently focused on improving my communication skills, particularly my public speaking. I am working on being a more persuasive speaker so that I can do well in this class and professional presentations. One area that I believe would help me be more effective is learning to use visual aids to give better presentations.” Give detailed steps that you are taking to turn your weaknesses into strengths. #Hard Question 4 - “Why Our Company?” Let me get this straight! You are fooling no one by implying this is the only interview you have lined up. This is one of the reasons why you need to be professional and do thorough research about the company who is interviewing you. It begins with tailoring your resume, and cover letter based on the company's job role. Next, knowing about the job role and what they are looking for. Among all the hard interview questions, this is particularly a test of how well you’ve researched the company. Interviewers want to see genuine interest in the role and organization. First, state the company’s values, culture, or projects that match your interests and goals. Second, communicate what you can contribute to their team. Pro Tip: Be detailed! Don’t just say, “I like the company’s mission.” Explain what specifically appeals to you about their objectives/goals and why you are passionate about what they do. #Hard Question 5 - “Why Should We Hire You?” This is your chance to tell them why they should take a chance on you. Share with them your top strengths that would be compatible with the job posting. Think of it as a quick elevator pitch. (Pro interview tip: You should always have an elevator pitch about yourself ready). As if you entered an elevator with the CEO of your dream company – 30 seconds – how would you sell yourself to him/her? You want to make it clear that YOUR skills, experience, and confidence make you unmistakably perfect for this job or this company! “I have been in customer service for five years and have never missed my performance goals. I’m looking forward to using my abilities in your company to help customer satisfaction.” #Hard Question 6 - “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” This question is to ensure two things: Whether you are committed to the position you are getting. Do you have the zeal to do better and strive for a promotion in the foreseeable future? Most interviewers are trying to determine if you plan to stay with the company or are likely to leave as soon as you find a better opportunity. They also want to understand your level of ambition. Think of how your goals would align with the position and company you’re applying for and discuss how you’d like to grow within the company. Pro Tip: "Do not mention other roles or industries; talk about how you can progress within the company that is interviewing you." #Hard Question 7 - “Describe a time you dealt with a difficult situation.” Every corporation has its own difficulties to deal with. However, if this is your first job, you can very well draw conclusions from your academic challenges. Pro Tip: They do not want to know whether you handled a team of teams and dealt with a difficult situation all by yourself. However, they will want to know whether you have the strength and resilience to deal with any difficult situation alone. This question tests your problem-solving and stress-handling abilities. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response. For example, pick an example from your professional life, describe the difficulty, detail what you did to address it, and emphasize the positive result. "I had a client that was upset over something that wasn’t communicated correctly. I fixed it immediately and told the client we wouldn’t make mistakes like that going forward. Plus, I offered them certain gifts as compensation. The client was happy with the results. It just takes a little bit of hearing the other side to ensure you retain an angry customer." #Hard Question 8 - “Can you explain the gap in your employment?” Most people have a time in their employment history when they weren’t working for one reason or another, whether it be for personal reasons, going back to school or some other endeavor. Therefore, these tough interview questions about gap years can make almost anyone nervous! The best way to answer concerns over an employment gap is honestly. However, ensure to mention things you did that will show how and why you were still productive during that time. Any courses you did, or how you upskilled yourself in this gap year, or work on projects will help strengthen your case. Pro Tip: Keep it positive. You should be honest, but this is not an opportunity for you to vent about what annoys you at work. #Hard Question 9 - "What motivates you?" Your answer should be related to the position you’re applying for, so think about what you’re most excited to do at this job and why—whether it’s reaching a personal goal or being able to help other people, for example—and explain how that relates back to your role at the company. #Hard Question 9 - “What is your greatest professional achievement?” This question is a great chance to subtly brag about yourself, but also remember that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position, not in general. For example, if you are applying for a management-level position and have managed teams in the past, explain how many people you have managed, the largest team size you have led, and any notable achievements as a manager. "I led a team who achieved an almost 20% boost in sales in just six months thanks to our new customer engagement strategy." Pro Tip: Whenever possible - quantify. Numbers always add a layer of credibility. Plus, try to keep your face and tone professional whenever you say such a thing. It shouldn't come out like you are bragging, but at the same time, you should be proud of your achievements and not downplay it." #Hard Question 10 - "Do you have any questions for us?" Don’t say “no.” This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the position, so ask a good question — or several. Inquire about things like company culture, team dynamics, or growth opportunities within the organization. However, save questions about salary and benefits for later in the process. Especially if you have a few interviews to crack, always ask about the salary in the final round. Do not worry; you can always negotiate, and even if the salary is not up to the mark, you cannot always take that position. Pro Tip: Come prepared with a list of questions to ask that demonstrates you’ve done your homework. Here is a list of unique interview questions to ask the employer! Professional Etiquette Tips for Interviews Now that you know about the hard interview questions and the answers that are close to the appropriate ones, here are a few more items to remember! 1. Being Punctual is Non-Negotiable Being punctual should be a non-negotiable when it comes to attending interviews. Arrive on Time. It may sound simple, but arriving on time for an interview is critical. In fact, 10-15 minutes early is probably the best arrival time. However, not more than that, you wouldn't want to seem too eager or nervous. 2. Your Posture Speaks a Lot Your non-verbal signals reveal a lot about yourself. Sit with your back straight, make eye contact, and smile with a firm handshake. Don’t hold your arms or fidget, as the interviewer might take it wrongly as a sign of apprehension or disinterest. Instead, slightly lean forward and nod to show that you are engaged. 3. Listen – Do not Just Jump to Answering The art of active listening is a must when giving an interview! Allow the interviewer to complete his/her thoughts and then answer the question. It helps you to frame your response in a better way and reflects your genuineness in the conversation. 4. Politeness is Given Being polite also has a long way to go. Start and finish the interview by thanking your interviewer for their time. And send a follow-up thank-you email later too; to remind them how interested you are in this job. 5. Dress code If you’re unsure what to wear, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Even if you’re not sure of the company culture, dressing a little more formally will give the impression that you take this opportunity seriously. Plus, who doesn’t look great dressed up? Look at some of the best interview attire for men. Why a Good Cover Letter Matters as the Final Touch? A strong cover letter for a resume can be the difference between standing out or blending in with the pile of applications. It’s your chance to showcase why you’re a perfect fit for the role beyond what’s listed in your resume. A great cover letter adds a personal touch, offering data for your qualifications and highlighting specific achievements that match the company’s needs. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills. Make it concise, focused, and tailored for each job. This effort shows you’re genuinely invested in the role. Confidence is Everything! Mastering hard interview questions and maintaining professional etiquette is essential for landing your dream job. With the right preparation, you can confidently handle even the toughest questions. Always remember to follow up after your interview, and don't overlook the importance of your cover letter as the final touch. These small details will make a big difference in setting you apart from other candidates and getting you closer to that job offer. Read Also: From Nervous To Confident: Mastering Interview Questions Guarantee To Ace EVERY Retail Interview: Top Retail Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

Secrets to the Perfect Bedroom Light

Gorgeous atmosphere in a home is essential, and nowhere more so than in your bedroom. Seeing how this is a place where we go when we want to rest or be romantic, the setting needs to reflect the mood. Now, this can be done in several ways, mostly by using eye soothing colors and cozy furniture, but for the overall atmosphere, tending to the lighting the right way is a must. Here are a few secrets for a perfect bedroom light. Read also: A Rundown of the Basic Led Lighting Natural Light: The first thing you need to consider when it comes to your bedroom is having a good natural light source. However, this is a slippery slope. If the bedroom faces your backyard, you could easily replace an entire wall with folding glass system and maximize the amount of natural light. On the other hand, if your bedroom is on the ground floor and facing the street, this is the last thing you want to do for both security and privacy reasons. Finally, there is nothing more beautiful than being woken up by sunlight gleaming through your window. However, when this happens at 5 AM on a Sunday, you might want to consider getting quality blinders. For an extra touch, you can always add curtains that will match the rest of your interior. Spice it Up: Apart from being a place where you rest, the bedroom is also a romantic hotspot. This is why it needs to have a lighting system to match. Dimming your lights can do the trick, but truth be told, there are many, more interesting solutions you could resort to. Some of them are DIY, like homemade lanterns and lamps, while others are of more traditional. Using candles to enhance the bedroom atmosphere is the oldest trick in the book. However, the choice of these candles matters as well. If you are planning a special evening, you might want to go with something more daring like a heart- or flower-shaped candles. Color-wise any shade of red will do, but you can also go with purple, white or even black. Candles also come in different scents so going with cherry, vanilla or strawberry may spice up the atmosphere. Lighting System: No matter how romantic or sexy it may feel, using candles and natural light won’t be enough on its own. You will need an artificial lighting system as well. There are several interesting solutions. While a lot of people go for luxurious chandeliers in their bedroom, others see this as a bit over the top. Some think that there is nothing more elegant, tasteful and efficient than using LED downlights. Apart from looking good, these fixtures also save energy, to a great extent, especially on the annual level, making them quite convenient, both visually and practically. A bedside nightlight for the nighttime reading sessions is also essential. As you can see, the bedroom light is not to be taken lightly. In fact, if done correctly, it can bring numerous benefits to both your health and your love life. There are only a few principles you have to follow and few rules to abide by. The first one is that you should use natural light for as much as you can, not only to be frugality but for the soothing effects it has on one’s psyche. The second one, light bulbs are not the only artificial light source and they are definitely not the most romantic one. Finally, saving some more on your power bill by switching to LED is never a bad idea. Read More: Seven Simple Ways For Achieving Cozy Bedroom Environment: For Perfectly Night Sleep 5 Perfect Ways To Create Size Illusion In Room With Home Accessories How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?