If you are nervous about an upcoming job interview, you are not alone. A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, and those who succeed in getting the job are often the ones who can get past the nervousness to show the employer why they are best for the job. To build your job interview skills, consider preparing for the interview by researching as much as possible about the company at which you are interviewing, and write down several ways that your experience and character will benefit the company. If you know why you would be best for the job, you will have a much easier time convincing the employer.
Developing interpersonal relationships is an important part of job interview skills. If you are not confident enough in your job interview skills, and you don't think you have the ability to develop a strong relationship with an employer, consider taking part in a mock interview with a friend or family member. Ask them to critique your answers to common interview questions, and to observe your mannerisms during the interview. This will help you identify your weak spots and begin to work on strengthening your job interview skills.
Consider taking a class at a local community college that focuses on interpersonal communications or even public speaking. So much of a successful job interview has to do with speaking well, and a course may be able to help you put that nervousness aside and focus on what's important. Remember that most employers are looking for you to show them you are a well-spoken, goal-oriented, and confident team player; you may be all of those things, but if you cannot convey that to the interviewer, you may not get the job.
One of the best job interview skills you can take into the interview is preparedness. Know the common questions asked during interviews and be ready to answer them. Know that yes or no questions may sound simple enough, but they are actually an opportunity for you to showcase your education, experience, and personality. Give the interviewer plenty of relevant examples, but do so briefly. If an interviewer asks you about your weaknesses, be honest and talk about that weakness. Remember, though, that the employer wants to know what steps you have taken to overcome that weakness, and what you have learned from it. Show the interviewer that you understand yourself well, and you're always willing and able to improve.
