Developing strong interviewing skills can give you an edge in a crowded job market. While expertise is valuable, demonstrating storytelling ability, active listening, preparation, confidence and positivity, can distinguish you from other applicants. Prioritizing these skills can help you secure your desired job. Read on to find out how.
Having the necessary technical skills is important when applying for a job, but that's not always enough to land the position. Acing a job interview requires a range of interviewing skills that go beyond just task proficiency based on the job description. Employers are looking for candidates who not only have the necessary skills and experience, but also possess the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and show a positive attitude. In this article, we'll delve into how storytelling can help you succeed and also discuss 5 other top interviewing skills that will help you stand out.
How to stand out with storytelling
One of the most valuable interviewing skills is storytelling. Storytelling allows you to bring your experience and skills to life in a way that simply listing accomplishments cannot. Through storytelling, you can showcase your abilities and give the interviewer a glimpse of who you are as a person. This helps to create a connection with the interviewer and makes you more memorable.
When telling a story in an interview, it's important to keep it concise and relevant. Choose a story that highlights a specific skill or accomplishment that is relevant to the job you're applying for. Make sure you have a clear beginning, middle, and end to your story, and emphasize what you learned from the experience.
Here's an example of how you can use storytelling to demonstrate your abilities and personality:
Interviewer: Can you tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a challenging situation?
Candidate: Absolutely. In my last role, I was working on a project that required a lot of collaboration between different teams. There were a few times when things didn't go as planned and we had to adapt quickly. For example, there was one time when a key team member unexpectedly went on vacation, and we had to reshuffle responsibilities to keep the project on track. I was able to step up and take on some of their tasks to ensure that we met our deadline. It wasn't easy, but we were able to work together as a team.
Of course, you should add specific details relevant to the role in your case.
Read also: Why You Need to be a Good Storyteller to be Successful at Job Interviews
5 other top interviewing skills that will help you stand out
1. Active Listening: Active listening shows the interviewer that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. To be an active listener, maintain eye contact, nod your head to show you're following along, and ask clarifying questions when necessary. This will help you better understand the interviewer's questions and provide thoughtful responses.
2. Preparation: Preparation is key to a successful interview. Make sure you research the company and the role you're applying for. Look at the company's website and social media channels to get a sense of its values and culture. Review the job description and consider how your skills and experience align with the role. Practice answering common interview questions so you're prepared for anything that might come up.
Read also: 10 Things to Do Before Your Next Job Interview
3. Confidence: Confidence is a key component of a successful interview. When you're confident, you come across as more competent and capable. To exude confidence, make sure you maintain good posture, speak clearly and confidently, and maintain eye contact. Take a few deep breaths before the interview to calm your nerves and remember that you're qualified for the role.
4. Flexibility: Flexibility is an important quality for any employee to have, and it's something that can be demonstrated in an interview. Be prepared to answer unexpected questions or to change the direction of the conversation if necessary. Show the interviewer that you're adaptable and can think on your feet.
Read also: Are You Prepared for These 8 Unique Interview Questions?
5. Positive Attitude: A positive attitude can go a long way in an interview. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and speak with enthusiasm. A positive attitude can help make a good impression on the interviewer and demonstrate that you're someone they want to work with.
Putting it all together
Mastering these top interviewing skills is the key to standing out in a competitive job market. While technical knowledge is important, being able to tell engaging stories and exhibit strong listening, preparation, confidence, flexibility, and positivity can set you apart from other candidates. Incorporating these skills into your interview strategy can make a significant difference in landing the job you want.
