An interview is also a communication exercise. Employees with good communication are essential assets to companies. I always tell my students that. It begins with the interview, first step to showing your skills and talents, especially your speaking talents.
Arturo,
I agree with you absolutely; employees consistently say that communication skills are even more important than technical skills which can usually be learned.
Elizabeth Kemler
Effective interviewing skills is an opportunity to exchange information. While students often feel as if they have no right to ask questions themselves, it is the perfect opportunity to learn so much more about the company they may work for. It is a best practice to learn as much as possible about a prospective employer so that they can feel very confident about their decision to accept the position if it is offered to them - plus, this helps to eliminate regrets and "Had I known this is how they are I would have taken the other job" for instance. We have to help students become comfortable in not only effectively delivering the information from their resume and about the skills they have developed, but also about asking the employer pertinent questions to help them make the decision they are comfortable and excited about. When they are excited about their prospective job, they will walk in feeling more confident and enthusiastic about starting work.
Marion,
I really like the way you put this: "Effective interviewing skills is an opportunity to exchange information." Looking at it that way makes the interview a less daunting endeavor.
Elizabeth Kemler
Of course, the skills they will be developing while preparing for their interviews will be key for their success at workplace. Confidence and motivation will allow students to relieve some pressure by giving them ample time and tools to get prepared.
Great question. Having interview skills will help an employee learn to be open in their communication. They will also learn how to speak with confidence and professionalism. How they carry themselves in the interview is a good indication of the type of employee they will be.
Kimberly,
This is so true; if/when interview skills are worked on over a period of time (and really get integrated) they inform and improve your overall communication skills which of course helps you become a better employee.
Elizabeth Kemler
First effective interview skills can give the interviewee confidence with the interviewers. It also will let them make a better decision of which work place will fit their style, personality, friendliness,outgoing,and in meeting the rest of the staff they will have a chance to know ahead if they will be comfortable working with these people.
I also find that the person who interviews well is the same person who shows up for the job.
The one that does not interview well is missing the job.
I also feel that a parting handshake after a business service or contract has been completed show s respect and gratitude in the transaction.
I also feel that a parting handshake after a business service or contract has been completed show s respect and gratitude in the transaction.
Jo-Anna,
I agree absolutely with your assertion here; what are some of the tools you use to support your students as they prepare for their interviews?
Elizabeth Kemler
Jo-Anna,
I think this is often the case, if in fact their interview skills are the result of hard work.
Elizabeth Kemler
Jo-Anna,
I also like this as a way to close a meeting/interview.
Elizabeth Kemler
because they become more professional
Interview skills are akin to soft skills in that we use the rules of etiquette to make a good impression. Have excellent soft skills are of vital importance within the workplace to get ahead. Obviously no one wants to hire or work with someone who has poor soft skills!
Also, practicing interview skills also boosts ones confidence when speaking to people in general. If you are comfortable when speaking to people of all levels, that is a great skill to possess and one that is highly valued in the workplace.
Viola,
I couldn't agree more! Soft skills are increasingly identified by employers as even more important to them than technical ability which can often be improved on the job.
Elizabeth Kemler
Many of the skills necessary to develop for interviewing are extremely applicable once the student enters the workplace. Proper dress, communication, eye contact, and the ability to ask the right questions at the correct time are all skills that continue to be important. If the student works on developing these skills early (even beginning while they are still in school) they will be more comfortable with utilizing the skill set once they are ready for interviews, and they beyond while in the actual workplace.
Student that have effective interview skills can use this skill set in the workplace by useing the planning into its daily work. Showing up early, preplan events, treat everyone with respect.
Shawn,
So true--and you put it perfectly!
Elizabeth Kemler
