Introduction
A job interview is a discussion between an employer and a candidate to determine suitability for the position.
The Best Interview Strategy
Ask yourself:
- What do I want the interviewer to know about me?
- What weaknesses should I minimize?
- What do I need to learn about the job or organization?
The Role of Effective Communication
During an interview, your demeanor and answers convey your effect, style, and attitude. Making a good impression requires effective communication.
Communication Skills Used in Job Interviews
- Non-verbal communication
- Listening
- Responding
- Questioning
- Know the job/company well
- Respond to topic shift
- Use industry terms and technical jargon
- Use specifics and examples
- Ask questions where appropriate
- Speak more than the interviewer
Effective Communication Strategies
Successful Candidates
- Were specific & consistent
- Used company name
- Showed research about company
- Used technical jargon
- Asked questions
- Spoke more than interviewer
- Made eye contact, smiled
- Accepted topic shift
Unsuccessful Candidates
- Had vague ideas
- Didn’t use jargon
- Gave short answers
- Asked few questions
- Made little eye contact
- Resisted topic shift
- Didn’t know about the company
- Rarely used company name
Active Listening
- Pay attention
- Show that you are listening
- Seek clarification if you don’t understand
- Deter judgment
- Respond appropriately
6 C’s of Effective Communication
- Clear
- Concise
- Correct
- Complete
- Concrete
- Courteous
Language Support
- Describe your personality using adjectives
- Describe your strengths using present tense
- Describe your education and experience with past simple and present perfect tenses
- Describe your future goals
- Structure your answers
- Solve pronunciation problems
Interview Structure and Other Details
- What to wear
- What to take
- What to note down
- How to get there