Essential Interview Skills
How can developing effective interview skills also help students to succeed in the workplace?
We spend a significant amount of time preparing a student to obtain the position. However, it is important to make sure they have the skill set to retain the position and advance within the organization. Good point!
Developing interviewing skills helps everyone communicate better and gain more confidence in your self. You know what your strengths are and your goals. When you say it out loud it is a constant reminder to yourself and it gives you the confidence, motivation and drive to succeed in what you are doing.
Our program has a externship with it. Student get to interview with actual externship partners for the opportunity to be placed there and to see if this an actual place they want to be hired. After each interview the students come back more confident about their presentation skills. When they get the placement they are very excited and that enthusiasm continues into the work place. Students are more confident and are willing to ask questions when they don't know what is going on which translates well into learning a job once you are hired.
Dorothy,
Yes absolutely; these are the ultimate in transferable skills.
Elizabeth Kemler
Shawn,
So true--and you put it perfectly!
Elizabeth Kemler
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.
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.
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
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.
because they become more professional
Jo-Anna,
I also like this as a way to close a meeting/interview.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
