Getting your dream job is not as easy as it seems, even if you have the skills and qualifications to do it. Sometimes, it is all about how well you do during the interview. That is your opportunity to impress the employer and get on top of the list.

With these thoughts in mind, here are a few skills that will help you secure a job.

Communication

Communication is critical. If you reply with short answers and look shy your potential employer will struggle to get anything out of you. There are more types of communication skills out there, but both verbal and nonverbal types can make a difference.

In order to boost verbal communication skills, practice some of the most popular questions for the job. Avoid informal words. As for nonverbal communication, focus on body language. Practice interviews or in front of a camera and observe yourself, then make the right changes.

Punctuality

Some people are always late, and try to place the blame on something else – family issues, traffic, etc. Bad idea! In fact, they want to be late. Being late for an interview is a terrible first impression as it shows you are not reliable and dependable.

Plan for more time than what you need. If the GPS says you will be there in half an hour, act like it takes 40 minutes. Give yourself a buffer for traffic lights or a bit of traffic.

Storytelling

Stories stimulate minds, and the same rule applies to employers, especially if you can trigger their emotions. To ace an interview, you must be able to tell a story, and it must be a good one. You can use this opportunity to show that you are a team player. For example, you can share a story where you led a sports team to victory.

You do not need to be a professional storyteller, but do spend some time developing some professional and engaging stories, whether you talk about your previous experience or education. Leave the fluff out, though, and just give the relevant information.

Gratitude

Gratitude is considered an emotion, but it is also a skill. You can build it, and it only requires a little training. Gratitude is most commonly associated with happiness and, at the end of the day, no employer is looking for a negative person – they want someone with a positive attitude instead.

Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview, but you can also send a “thank you” email to stand out. Show gratitude when talking about previous employers and work experience as well.

Research

Not being familiar with what the company does is a red flag to potential employers. In many cases, employers will be straightforward about it and ask you what you know about the company. To make a difference, you need to do your homework upfront. For example, studies show that Amazon will favor candidates who are familiar with the company culture and are prepared for interview tests.

Learn more about products, the mission, and culture, as well as growth or significant episodes from the company’s history. Look over the official website and check out the latest news as well, especially over social media.

Self-awareness

Self-awareness is a skill every employer looks for. Self-awareness means you can collaborate with your colleagues and are in tune with your strengths and weaknesses. Some employers will even ask you about your weaknesses, so it is crucial to know what those weaknesses are and how you’re working to improve in those areas.

To develop self-awareness, reflect on your past or recent job experiences. You can also ask people for feedback, your previous managers or perhaps some of your colleagues.

Active listening

Active listening is far from hearing, which is something everyone does. Active listening is about taking the whole message. It shows interest, and it tells the interviewer that you are actually dedicated to obtaining that job.

For practice, watch job interviews online and focus on what employers are saying. Think about your reply and focus on each word and what they mean.

Business acumen

Business acumen is typically a skill you develop in the long run, as you work and gain experience. However, you can also develop this skill with no experience at all. You need to show your potential employer that you have this skill.

Even if you have already done your homework about the company, you also need some understanding of the company’s industry. For instance, if you are interested in a sales position, you can also ask about the company’s sales funnel. It shows that you know a thing or two about the industry.

Bottom line, these are some of the most important skills you need when going for a job interview. Take your time and practice each of them individually in order to master them, and make sure you showcase these strengths the next time you face a potential employer.

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