Essential Interview Skills
How can developing effective interview skills also help students to succeed in the workplace?
There are similarities between answering questions in a passionate and informative manner during an interview and using the same skills and techniques when interacting with your colleagues at work. Also both lend themselves to feeling credible, confident, enthusiastice, etc.
Absolutely. I always advocate for a natural style of interviewing-essentailly being a polished version of yourself; this is really just effective communication which is applicable to any and all interpersonal interaction.
I think that most interviews are designed to keep the interviewee on alert. If a person can make it through a grueling interview process, they can handle almost any job situation. Usually getting over the first hurdle is always the hardest.
I agree that the interview is usually harder than the job, but for a recent position it seemed that I was hired more for my qualifications and less for what happened at the interview. However, one week into the job it was obvious that the demands being brought forward made it clear to me that the job would be harder than the interview.
In addition, our school deals with the building trades, plumbing,carpentry, electrical. Due to the economy, employers are getting much more selective and interviews are getting harder. However, the subsequent job is usually still more difficult. However I do agree with you that interviews are great practice for the real world demands of a job.
LaSonya,
This is so true. Most interviewers are trying to make the interview challenging so they can see how confident you are, and how comfortable with yourself. While I would say that how we do in interviews is not necessarily an accurate indication of what we're capable of, it is seen that way.
Elizabeth Kemler
By developing interview skills you are also developing skills that you need in everyday life or "soft skills".
"First Impressions" how important is this not only with interviews but when you meet someone on the street for the first time.
"Handshake" it's still the number 1 greeting you see when any two people meet. A poor handshake leads to a poor first impression.
"Eye Contact" do you really feel comfortable around someone who doesn't make eye contact?
"Conversation and answering questions" you always want someone you can talk to and interact with. Employers want this so that they know you will be able to communicate with thier employees.
It all seems to mesh together. In turn, by teaching them how to interview well, we are teaching them how to behave and act in social settings as well.
Stephen,
I agree completely. I taught presentation skills for many years, and people always commented on how they were able to utilize the skills we worked on, in many different settings.
Elizabeth Kemler
Thats a great feeling isn't it?
We have our board members and business owners interview our students for interviewing experience.
Kelley,
This is a great idea; really the best way to get the necessary practice.
Elizabeth Kemler
While preparation is incredibly important to both a job interview and "real" life, both involve a lot of thinking on one's feet. No matter how much one prepares for an interview, there will be some aspect of spontaneity and being able to respond to unforeseen problems is absolutely necessary to just about any job.
Dax,
I agree absolutely. I think continued practice helps give students both the confidence and ability to think more effectively on their feet.
Elizabeth Kemler
Being able to effectively communicate with other people in a professional manner will always be helpful in the work environment when it comes to problem solving, strategizing, and team work. This will also be able to help you not sound abrasive when giving feedback to co-workers and allow others to feel comfortable giving you constructive criticism in return to help better the work environment, meet company goals, or even provide team building.
Jennifer,
I agree absolutely with this. Both giving and receiving feedback when it's not 100% positive is a difficult thing for many people. I believe it takes a lot of consistent practice to learn how communicate in a way that is constructive and respectful. It also takes practice to learn how to receive constructive criticism without taking it personally or getting offended.
Elizabeth Kemler
Developing effective interview skills can enhance communication skills which is always a benefit in the workplace. Being able to properly express yourself and your ideas to others is something most people encounter at work on a daily basis.
Susan,
I agree; practice with either, helps the other, and these are skills that really affect all aspects of our lives.
Elizabeth Kemler
I believe that having effective interview skills can help the students in the workplace by the them demonstrating good communication skills and be able to present themselves in a well-manner.
Nicole,
I agree that these kinds of skills are transferable and applicable in many different kinds of environments.
Elizabeth Kemler
By developing effective interview skills, students are also learning valuable lessons in how to present themselves in a professional way, improving their ability to communicate with others, which can only help in the workplace. Deeping these skills can really go along way in helping each person's self esteem and helping them feel less fearful while interacting with others. Practice may not make perfect but it certainly makes it better and more comfortable talking with people.
