The best interview skills training involves a lot of practice and is specific to a particular field. As such, the best training often takes place in degree programs for a particular field. If you are looking for more general interview skills training, it is often possible to receive instruction through a community college or other educational program or even through a local library. These programs often include more than just basic interview techniques and may include information about interview etiquette, appropriate interview attire, and what to expect if the job is acquired.
Learning how to interview is not difficult for most people, but it does take practice. In most interviews, a person is judged not only on the quality of his or her answers, but also on the manner in which those interviews were given. Confidence and poise are often as important to an interviewer as experience and may help an applicant get a job for which there are many other qualified applicants. While many interview skills training programs aim for a mere baseline of proper verbal and body language, a more advanced program might help an applicant tailor his or her interview comportment to impress the specific interviewer.
Getting this type of interview skills training often involves attending a class, but a life coach may be able to help with interview skills as well. Whether training is received in a group or individually, it is important to make sure that the trainer has a good success rate and that he or she is qualified to provide advice on this topic. Ideally, you should look for a person with experience in the specific field you hope to work in. This is important because different fields have different types of interviews, and what is expected of an applicant is dependent on the field.
One thing to look for when choosing interview skills training programs is how much actual practice is involved in the class. An interview is an activity that can only be mastered with practice, and it is difficult to judge your own progress. It is extremely helpful to have an instructor judge your progress and provide constructive feedback. Mock interviews and role-playing games can be very helpful when trying to develop these skills, but each instructor will have his or her own favorite strategies.
If you cannot afford a class, then there are still many options available to get good interview skills training. Local libraries often offer job skills courses, and it is also possible to learn these skills from books. Online resources may also be helpful, but it is important to be able to distinguish between good and bad advice. Even practicing in a mirror can be a form of helpful interview skills training, so long as you are mindful of what you are doing.
