What skills should you teach your clients to succeed in job interviews?

Realizing that most of us only interview a few times in our career and it does require a different skill set is the first step. It's normal to 'not know' best practices for interviewing, especially now that any interviews are done virtually. Once you remember that, you can create a plan of attack for each phase of the interview process and the preparation comes naturally.

There are many ways to have a great interview. First, provide a specific example for each question using the S.T.A.R. Interview Framework. Don’t forget to include the result/outcome and quantify it whenever possible. Second, clearly define your transferrable skills, and ensure that you verbally tie them into your interview question responses. This is critical, particularly when you are looking to change your job function and/or industry. Third, resist the urge to provide generic responses. Don't say what you "would" do. Say what you "did" do. Provide specifics and paint the picture, which will bring your examples to life for the interview team! Finally, never downplay your previous experience. You have value! Be yourself!

Do your research on the company, re-read the job role, look at the interviewer background, understand the product/service the team is working on, etc etc. All these are fine, do as much as you can. However, the most important aspect to be successful in an interview is- BE YOURSELF! This is what I tell my coaching clients, do not undermine yourself and do not over-inflate your skills. Just be yourself and the company will be most inclined to hire you.

Research skills are important for a variety of reasons: 1) Highlights you are engaged and care more than the run of the mill candidate. 2) It helps you prepare for the interview itself. You can listen to a podcast, read articles, just googling the company and the people that will be in the interview will help you "speak" their language 3) Researching creates confidence (but not too much). Some research tips for yall job seekers: - Google the company and interviewers names with the words "podcast" "news" "article" "update" etc - Read through reviews from employees are sites such as glassdoor etc - If it's a product or service book an opportunity to review or apply it

In an increasingly digitized world, the way we interact and communicate, including job interviews, has evolved significantly. Digital interviews, often conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams, have become a standard part of the hiring process. To succeed in today's job market, it's essential to master digital interview skills. Practice your body language, non-verbal cues still matter: maintain eye contact, sit up straight and use gestures thoughtfully. Active listening is key in virtual interviews. Take pauses and smile ;)

Structured communication is extremely important when it comes to giving interviews. Its important to follow the STAR approach while answering Behavioral questions, but it's also important to structure your answers. Most likely the first question you would be asked in an interview is "tell me about yourself" Most people don't know how to answer this question. Its imperative that you talk about your overall experience, projects, job responsibilities, key achievements, and finally your skills and qualifications. The art is to ensure that you cover everything, while keeping it concise and engaging. Structured communication helps a lot in this regard.

That’s the utmost thing you must present yourself with. Even with the right skills, you cannot lay a convincing impression on your interviewer if you don’t sound confident and truthful in your communication.

The number one skill I teach as a Career Coach is the ability to communicate specific examples of your skills and experience. Without these examples, your answers are just words. Further, it demonstrates that you are listening to the question and the interviewer. As a recruiter there were many times I asked for 'an example' during an interview, and didn't get an example in the answer.

Most impactful thing you can communicate at interviews is why what you can do matters!!! Not just listing what you’ve done. Communicating how what you do directly or indirectly contributes to a company’s results (and has done in the past & will in the future) sets you apart. Clearly articulating how you can impact revenue, improve systems, up-skill teams & improve brand reach & reputation helps the person interviewing you not only see all the value you could add but it helps them picture you in the role, especially if you can evidence everything with some storytelling.

To stand-out from other interviewees and sharpen your communication skills, be strategic to be perceived as: 1. Confident: Dress to impress. Let your body language demonstrate this confidence, even if you're faking it (No one will know besides you). Act like you've met the interviewer before and your body language will adjust to the familiarity. 2. Approachable: When meeting the interviewer(s), act like they are a celebrity you've been wanting to meet. Doing this will make anyone feel like the special person they are. Your smile and attitude will leave a lasting impression! 3. Moldable: Express your interest in learning. Make yourself seen as a sponge. While you need to emphasize the skills you have, highlight how you want to know more.

Practice how to answer really "unreasonable" questions like what is your favourite fruit? Or what animal would you be? Remember it's about how you handle the unpredictable, not what the "right" answer is. Also practice typical questions which job seekers struggle with such as talking about conflict or weaknesses.

Adaptability skills are essential for navigating the unpredictability of job interviews. Coach your clients in developing flexibility, resilience, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Teach them how to manage stress, uncertainty, and unexpected questions. Encourage them to demonstrate initiative and innovation. Guide them in using real-life examples and stories to illustrate their achievements and skills effectively. Additionally, help them prepare for various interview formats, including phone, video, panel, and behavioral interviews. Developing adaptability skills equips your clients to handle diverse interview scenarios with confidence and composure.

Approach all interviews with an abundant mindset. This frame will help you stay calm and composed when things don't go as planned. There's always another opportunity, and you're trying to figure out if this is right for you.

The interview environment can be unpredictable. Think on Your Feet: Prepare them to answer unexpected questions or participate in situational interview scenarios. Manage Nerves: Teach them relaxation techniques and positive self-talk to manage interview anxiety. Adjust Communication Style: Advise them to adapt their communication style to the interviewer's tone and demeanor.

Adaptability implies reaction to something unknown or different. In order to recognize something different--from yourself--you must first know thyself. Know your own skills, qualifications and traits. Know your own resume. Be aware of your own likes and dislikes. There will always be things unknown. You can't study for every possible question. But you can learn methodologies for what to do when you encounter an unknown question. e.g. How to pause and think and ask them to repeat the question. And then you can use STAR/SOAR/PAR to answer the question in segments. If you know yourself and have a method for dealing with unknowns, adapting on the fly will be easier.

This is most evident when you get the "what are your strengths and weaknesses?" questions. You should be able to clearly articulate what they are because you've done the work to know what they are. Interview prep to cover key questions like this is important. You don't want to be caught off guard, fumble over your words, or say something you wish you hadn't. Stay ready so you don't have to get ready!

Knowing (self-awareness) what you're passionate about and having a sense of purpose behind the type of work you want to do is a powerful differentiator. As someone who's hired many people in my past career, I came to value candidates with a passion and a sense of purpose for our work. Because I knew they would be much more engaged and ultimately successful in the role than someone "just doing the job." Knowing (self-awareness) what you're passionate about and having a sense of purpose in interviews also makes you feel much more confident. It's easier to feel confident and relaxed speaking from a place of passion and purpose. Confidence is attractive! Managers like having confident (not to be confused with arrogant) people on their teams.

Talking to career coachees about self-awareness can conjure up images of "the dark night of the soul". It can be hard to address, but it is the only path to understanding authenticity, purpose and passion. Self-awareness is the core of confidence and energy needed to envision and control an intentional career path. It is relevant to success in each of the other job search skills and most vital to honing and telling your "story" from a positive perspective.

There are many skills that are required in order to ace an interview, but one of the most important ones is self-awareness. You need to know who you are and what you do well. You will need to define what your unique abilities are and what your 'personal brand' is in order to be able to communicate these properly. Self-awareness is also required for you to identify whether or not the position and the company are a right fit for you. Interviewing goes two ways. The organization is looking for a candidate that is right for them and you, as a candidate, are looking for an organization in which you can thrive and be happy.

Older workers are particularly vulnerable when it comes to the diversity question as they are often subject to ageism, which seems to be the last "ism" that is tolerated in the workplace (even though it is illegal). While older workers will benefit from understanding the value of being part of a diverse team, as candidates they have a great opportunity to stand up proudly for the value of their experience. And rather than tell "war stories" about their past work, they will be well served to share how their knowledge, insight, and wisdom can apply directly to the role they're applying for.

Diversity and inclusion skills are increasingly crucial in today's workplace. Empower your clients with cultural awareness, empathy, collaboration, and respect. Teach them to value and harness the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences they and others bring to the table. Show them how to empathize and communicate effectively with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds. Guide them in fostering teamwork and supporting their colleagues. Emphasize the importance of respecting and adhering to company policies and norms on diversity and inclusion. By developing these skills, your clients not only contribute to a more inclusive workplace but also align themselves with values that many companies hold dear.

On a very practical note ensure your CV reflects recent training courses to upskill yourself. Also be ready to answer the question: "How do you stay updated in your field?"

I teach how curiosity and desire to learn can be expressed in a cover letter (and of course the interview). Too many candidates present themselves as the cure for all your ills (or at least the greatest thing since sliced bread). Of course, one must affirm skills and express confidence, but asking questions during the interview (or in the cover letter, expressing a desire to learn more about the company's needs) indicates humility, curiosity, and a desire to help. All of which enhances perceived likability.

Learning skills are invaluable for job interviews and ongoing career growth. Encourage your clients to cultivate curiosity and a thirst for learning. Teach them to actively seek and accept constructive feedback and use it to enhance their skills and performance. Help them recognize and pursue relevant learning opportunities and resources that can bolster their knowledge and abilities in the context of the role and industry. Demonstrating a commitment to learning not only positions your clients as adaptable and forward-thinking candidates but also equips them for continuous development and success in their careers.

Always ask questions and do not wait until the end of the interview. If you're asked a question, ask for clarification. If you're asked a question, give an answer, and ask about an example of that question in the organization. Get curious. Find out if this position is right for you.

This area is challenging are most candidates will never receive feedback on how they performed to improve themselves. The best way to do this is to immediately speak with someone about the interview upon completing it to try and go over how it went and talk through it. an excellent way to avoid this altogether would be to ask inquisitive questions at the end of the interview to showcase your talent and how you have put a ton of thought into the questions you are asking. Most candidates miss the mark here and this could make the difference of you getting the job or not.

An interview is a test of your skills but also personality fit. Be sure to try and make a personal connection with your interviewer, and if they engage in small talk, be open to it!

One of the things that I tell my mentees, soft skills often play bigger role than the experience or skills. Company chooses from a pool of candidates with a very similar skillset, but the soft skills, communication, confidence and research is what makes the difference. Learn to be a person people want to be around and work with, and not just be the smartest in the room.

Its important to come across as a keen and enthusiastic individual, who wants to learn and is confident in his/her abilities. One way to showcase is by asking relevant questions at the end of the interview. These questions could be focused on Job duties that you are expected to perform, team structure, team environment, organizational culture. One thing which I always suggest to my clients is to look at your interviewers Linkedin Profile and ask questions based on their experience. Such questions help to strike a chord with the interviewer.

An interview is also a test of personality traits. I would advice the candidate tries their best to smile and approachable. Use the introductory phase to find a common ground quickly and make light of it. Smile, laugh and make the interviewer also feel comfortable. It has worked for me and I believe it can work for others too

A skill I always recommend that isn't necessarily discussed in the interview is professional self-confidence. If you don't feel like you will have the skills and qualifications to perform the role successfully, you won't do well in your interview. Recognize the value you bring first and the employers will see it too.