Of course, the skills they will be developing while preparing for their interviews will be key for their success at workplace. Confidence and motivation will allow students to relieve some pressure by giving them ample time and tools to get prepared.
Marion,
I really like the way you put this: "Effective interviewing skills is an opportunity to exchange information." Looking at it that way makes the interview a less daunting endeavor.
Elizabeth Kemler
Effective interviewing skills is an opportunity to exchange information. While students often feel as if they have no right to ask questions themselves, it is the perfect opportunity to learn so much more about the company they may work for. It is a best practice to learn as much as possible about a prospective employer so that they can feel very confident about their decision to accept the position if it is offered to them - plus, this helps to eliminate regrets and "Had I known this is how they are I would have taken the other job" for instance. We have to help students become comfortable in not only effectively delivering the information from their resume and about the skills they have developed, but also about asking the employer pertinent questions to help them make the decision they are comfortable and excited about. When they are excited about their prospective job, they will walk in feeling more confident and enthusiastic about starting work.
Arturo,
I agree with you absolutely; employees consistently say that communication skills are even more important than technical skills which can usually be learned.
Elizabeth Kemler
An interview is also a communication exercise. Employees with good communication are essential assets to companies. I always tell my students that. It begins with the interview, first step to showing your skills and talents, especially your speaking talents.
Tequilla,
You are so right about one success leading to the confidence that results in future successes. I also like the idea of employer spotlights as an opportunity for students to practice their interviewing skills.
Elizabeth Kemler
Effective interviewing skills can contribute to improving a student's overall communication skills. Effective communication during an intrview that leads to a job offer, can increase a student's confidence and motivate them to continue on the path of confident and effective communication skills. I have had several students who have either not worked before or have never been on an interview. Role playing and participating in interviews during an employer spotlight event on campus helps ease some of the fears of talking to employers. As a result, I have watched students become more proactive wit their job search, more confident with interviews, and eventually more successful in the classroom communicating with peers and later on the job.
Yolanda,
This is very true..many interview skills translate into everyday communication skills which are so important in the workplace.
Elizabeth Kemler
Developing effective interview skills teach students how to communication in various ways such as how to utilize positive words, how to stand and sit attentively and engage others with good eye contact.
B,
I couldn't agree more. Students benefit greatly from having the opportunity to make mistakes and modifications in a safe environment--particularly when the mock interviews are done over a number of months so the students have time to practice on their own and keep trying new things.
Elizabeth Kemler
If a student practices interviewing in a safe environment there is an opportunity to make modifications that will lead to a more successful and comfortable interview. Mock interviewing also allows students to become comfortable with answering and asking questions. This offers the opportunity then for the student that gets the job to be able to confidently meet coworkers in what generally amount to small mini interviews.
Thacha,
This is very true..strong interview skills require the kind of communication skills that help us in all aspects of our work life.
Elizabeth Kemler
Having effective interview skills helps maintain a high level of confidence and helps to create great communication skills with your co working.
Deborah,
It sounds like you're doing a lot to prepare your students both for the interviewing process and for a career, which is great. As I'm sure you know, when you have no background in your chosen career, the more practice you get with interviewing, the better.
Elizabeth Kemler
Most of our students have never worked in their fields of study so interviewing can be a huge challenge. A big part of our career development class is to prepare the students for the interview, from proper dress to answering interview questions. When they do well in the interview and they are hired I see their confidence increase almost immediately. That confidence usually carries over to the job.
In helps them to develop great communication and also give them a sense of what they would like to achieve.
Rocio,
You are so right about this-communication skills are consistently said by employers, to be the most important thing they look for in the hiring process. Having a professional demeanor is certainly critical as well. What kinds of things do you do with your students to help them develop this?
Elizabeth Kemler
Good Interviewing abilities means that our students have good communication skills and that's one big part of the social competence needed to be successful on a job.
Also, being a leader requires good communication skills. Any person who want to grown and become a leader in their job need to transmit a professional image, confidence and credibility.
This also helps their daily relation with co-workers even with friends and family.
David,
You are absolutely right about this; the Wall St Journal, NY Times and innumerable other news sources have reported on this very thing-communication skills surpass all others in the eyes of employers.
Elizabeth Kemler
Susan,
You described the importance of these skills perfectly-I'm afraid there's nothing more to add!
Elizabeth Kemler
