Communication skills key to performing well in job interviews

I am happy to know that you are reading the columns in DTNext and benefitting from them to develop yourself. One who communicates efficiently tastes victory. Effective communication skills remain basic not only for jobs, but also, in all aspects of life. Most of us fail in getting through interviews due to a lack of communication skills, in spite of having excellent credentials, resume and record of experience. It is enough to follow a few simple tips and work hard on them to acquire good communication skills.  

Start first: You start introducing yourself. You just need to start it before you are forced to answer. Stay within your limit. Always sound moderately sound (avoid shouting) and confident.

Learn to listen: Listening is no less important than hearing. They are as important as both the sides of the same coin. You need to have clarity and clarify to avoid any misunderstanding. A disastrous habit one could develop is thinking what to say while listening to others. The answers that emerge from total listening are the right answers. 

The other point-of-view: Let not your biased or preconceived ideas dominate your conversation. Empathise and also respect the other person’s perspective. You have the right to disagree, but not before considering a different point-ofview. 

Language and body language: One cannot compromise on both in developing communication skills. Both reflect your capacity to communicate. You need to know to whom you are talking to and use words accordingly. The same goes with body language too. A word of caution on sending text messages via whatever media you choose to. Double-check your language and spellings. Use formal language and be brief, yet concentrate on being specific. 

Talk slowly: Nervousness is a common faux pas in interviews. One needs to tackle it consciously. The best way to do it is to talk slowly. Stay calm and maintain the right pace. 

Detail counts: Every detail counts in an interview. The papers that you need to present, the supporting documents, the timing, the process that the interviewers follow: Every detail counts.  

Right questions: I always tell my students that ‘Asking the right questions requires more knowledge than answering bad questions.” One needs to learn to ask right questions to prove what he or she could offer to the company.

Look and behave friendly: It is important that you look decently dressed and your behaviour should match up to it. People always like friendly people. One can never pretend to be friendly. Pretentious behaviour lands us in troubles. 

Attitude is key: Be positive. Even if your interview is on the phone, wear a smile. When needed, you need to assert yourself. With due respect, without crossing the boundaries. It is the only way to affirm that you have the abilities to deliver. 

Communication still tops the hiring requirement of employers. The first impression could only be made through your good communicative abilities. If you develop the above skills and keep them in your interviews, you definitely would impress your employers with your personality. Communication is the secret to success, in both personal and professional life. Merely communicating keeps one going, but skillfully communicating rings in miracles.