Skills That Will Help You Get Hired

Preparing for a job interview can be very intense and demanding.  It is a competitive affair, and you must be on top of your game to beat the other applicants to the ultimate prize, which is the job. In this blog, we will discuss which skills will help you get hired.

After sending your application and qualifying for the interview, it is important to prepare adequately and possess all the right skills needed for an interview. So what are skills to help you get hired? See our top 10 below.

Top 10 skills

1. Anticipation

Prepare well in advance for the interview.  Conduct all the research needed regarding the company and the employer. Know all the common interview questions and the most suitable answer one can give. Familiarize yourself with the company history and the key job responsibilities you are applying for.

2. Nonverbal Cues

Practice extensively on the proper nonverbal cues needed during a job interview. There must be a firm handshake, proper body posture, and maintaining eye contact. Using wrong nonverbal cues communicates the wrong message to your interviewer, and your chances of landing the job might be enhanced or diminished depending on the nonverbal cues you use.

Some interviewers make it very hard for you by using tactics such as long pauses and prolonged silence. This is aimed at testing your level of confidence. Avoid distractions, and all the nonverbal cues will flow seamlessly.

3. Grooming

This is a very important aspect. It might decide whether you get the job or not. Research the workplace culture and decide the attire you wish to wear to this special occasion. It is advisable to dress sharply but formally. Have proper knowledge of the clothes you are wearing.

Information such as the brand and size of the outfit you are wearing. Some interviewers will ask you questions regarding your dressing to mischievously unsettle you or to assess your attention to detail. Have the right information regarding what you wear, its name, and its origin.

4. Brevity and clarity

Be brief and concise when answering the questions. Talking too much does not always leave the right impression on your potential employer. This, however, should not limit you from highlighting your skills and achievements modestly. Be very clear when explaining your points, and let the points sink in.

Sometimes you might have a challenge of being fast when you speak; it is important, therefore, to practice slowing down. Speaking very fast sometimes creates the impression that you are nervous.  Articulate your points confidently and avoid using difficult terms to impress the interviewer.

5. Be attentive

Your body language is an important tool to show how attentive you are. Avoid fiddling things and fidgeting. If you keep asking the interviewers to repeat their questions, it might show a lack of attention and disqualify you from the job.  It is important to know that during the interview process, the interviewer relays information, whether in a direct manner or an indirect one.

Not paying attention may end up hurting you since you fail to grasp all the necessary information.  People with good communication skills listen and pay attention. It is advisable to keep up with the interviewer’s style and pace.

6. Punctuality

All employers love people who can keep time.  Arriving late for an interview reflects very badly on the interviewee. Get to the interview venue, preferably 30 minutes before the stipulated time.

If not possible, make it 15 minutes. Arriving early not only creates a good impression but also gives you time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the environment at the venue.

This also helps you to go through your documents and arrange your demonstrations, if needed, in proper order. There is no redeemable reason for arriving late to a job interview, no matter how genuine it is.

7. Confidence

Be very confident when you walk inside an interview room, when answering questions, when asking questions and when giving demonstrations. Outline your accomplishments and experience proudly. Own up to the things you have achieved in your professional life and career advancement.

An interview is a golden opportunity to market yourself, and you should seize it.  Balance how confident you are to avoid looking arrogant.

It is advisable to give credit to other people, such as your previous employers, former colleagues, and family. It sends the right impression that you are aware that it takes more than one individual to accomplish things in life.

8. Ask questions

Not asking questions might disqualify you from getting the job. Asking the right questions show a certain amount of interest in the job. Ask questions about the company and the expectations in place. Demonstrate the will to know more about your potential and colleagues.  Enquire about the interview process and how you performed. Show a certain level of optimism when responding to answers to these questions.

9. Use the proper etiquette

Etiquette is one of the skills to help you get hired. This is very crucial. Professional language helps a lot in boosting your chances for the job. Be very formal and cordial. If possible, avoid giving short, curt answers. Give a brief explanation, even if a short answer would suffice.

Using the right etiquette means you are a good communicator, which in turn points to building a relationship with your potential colleagues, employer, or clients.

Short answers sometimes seem rude and do not inspire confidence in the employer. It is, however, important not to talk too much during an interview.  Do not overdo the etiquette with unnecessary interjections of “thank you” and “sorry.”

10. Good first impression

Interviewers indeed make their decision within the first 10-15 minutes of meeting the interviewee. They then spend the remaining time trying to confirm their decision. The period between getting inside the interview room and receiving the first question is crucial.

Greet your interviewers and try to create a relationship by stating that it is a pleasure to meet them. Take time to put your documents in order and sit when asked to.

This period interviewers use it to evaluate the behavior and attitude of the interviewee. Sit upright and demonstrate the ability to be attentive. Your demeanor within the first few minutes might give or deny you the job.

Common Job Interview Questions & Answers

Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!

1. Accomplishments
2. Adaptability
3. Admission
4. Behavioral
5. Career Change
6. Career Goals
7. Communication
8. Competency
9. Conflict Resolution
10. Creative Thinking
11. Cultural Fit
12. Customer Service
13. Direct
14. Experience
15. Government
16. Graduate
17. Growth Potential
18. Honesty & Integrity
19. Illegal
20. Inappropriate
21. Job Satisfaction
22. Leadership
23. Management
24. Entry-Level & No experience
25. Performance-Based
26. Personal
27. Prioritization & Time Management
28. Problem-solving
29. Salary
30. Situational & Scenario-based
31. Stress Management
32. Teamwork
33. Telephone Interview
34. Tough
35. Uncomfortable
36. Work Ethic