Too often you don't have days or even hours to prepare for an important interview. Considering there are entire classes offered regarding interviewing skills, it's a bit much to expect you to learn everything you could possibly need to know in a matter of an hour, but you're in luck. You don't need to know everything under the sun about interviewing; you just need to learn the basic interview skills as quickly as possible. Below are the most important job interview skills. To learn them quickly, simply read the skill, practice it on your own or with a friend and then move on to the next. Go back through the list a few times in this manner until you have all the skills learned in isolation. Then, with the help of a friend (real or imaginary), sit down for a mock interview to practice, putting all of your new skills together. The Firm Handshake The most important asset in business is a firm handshake. To shake a hand properly, the web between your thumb and hand should meet the web of the other person's hand. When the two webs meet, grasp the other hand firmly without trying any arm wrestling moves or squeezing too tightly. Look in the other person's eyes, smile pleasantly and offer a genuine greeting. Then release. If the other person offers you a weak handshake, follow through with your own firm one as this sets the tone for the entire interview. Sit Attentively You'll be asked to sit and when you do, sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and lean forward in your chair slightly to show you're interested in the interviewing process. Avoid lounging in the chair and especially crossing your legs as these can be taken as signs of disrespect to the professionalism of the interview and interviewer. Use Active Listening When the interviewer is speaking, nod your head and make acknowledging sounds to show you are listening. Keep natural eye contact throughout the interview. Come Prepared You should have copies of your resume and references or portfolio with you when you arrive at the interview. Carry them in a leather folder in case the interviewer needs another copy. Offer Thoughtful Responses Hopefully you've had time to at least organize your thoughts about your past jobs and careers and what you'd like to do in the job you're interviewing for. You should also be ready with strengths and weaknesses - especially weaknesses. When asked a question, don't blurt out an answer. Stop and think about the question to help you frame your answer carefully. You want to be sure to answer the question while shedding as much positive light on yourself as possible. Ask For Clarification The interviewer will not mind if you ask him to clarify a question or ask a question in return to his so as to give him the information he's looking for. It's far better to ask for clarification than to answer a question with an off-the-wall answer simply because you don't understand it. Ask a Question At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. You should have one ready. If one doesn't come to you naturally in the course of the question and answer session, use a ready question suitable for any interview. An easy one is, "Where do you see my skill set fitting into your company?" or "What qualifications are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?" Say Thank You You should always end your interview by standing, saying thank you and shaking your interviewer's hand. Follow up a few days later by sending a thoughtful thank you note via email or on a small card. This follow-up is a standard practice in business that has fallen out of practice. Going through the motions to follow the rules might very well set you apart from other candidates.
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