Improving Interview Skills For The Seasoned Worker

After years of employment, you may find yourself back in the job market searching for a new position.  As a seasoned job seeker, you may have forgotten the more common interviewing skills that are needed in order to have a successful interview.  These suggestions and tips are vital if you are to be considered for any position in your field, and with the competition being younger and possibly cheaper to employ, you’ll need all the help you can get.

Interviews today are very different from the way they were conducted ten years go.  Employing companies are looking for possible candidates that can bring more to the table than the basic skills that were required in the past.  Many companies desire more “bang for their buck”, and the younger generation come to the interviewing table with dual certifications and/or degrees.  The more marketable a person is, the more likely they will be hired. 

One aspect of the interview that will never change, and is the most obvious, is dressing accordingly and conducting yourself with poise and professionalism.  Wearing jeans and a sweatshirt to any interview, no matter what the venue, will not impress the powers that be.  Depending on the type of interview and type of position you’re applying for, your appearance may be a key factor in whether you get hired for the position or not.  As for the way you conduct yourself; there at no time should be any discussion of inappropriate topics, cursing or swearing, or any conversation that may make others uncomfortable with the suggestions that are made.  Yes; this should be obvious, but it still needs to be said for there are those folks out there that feel these behaviors are acceptable.

Another way to improve your interviewing skills is to practice your responses in the mirror prior to any interview.  Some companies will provide you with basic interviewing questions before you actually meet with them.  If that is not the case, you can visit any online career helping site and use their practice interviewing questions.  Be sure to know at least three positive skills that you can bring to the company if hired, and also be aware of areas where you need to improve your skills.  Always be honest and upfront with a new potential employer for it is very easy to find out if you were lying. 

Below you will find additional suggestions on your quest to improve your interviewing skills.

• When questioned about prior employers or the circumstances for why you are no longer employed by them, be honest about the separation and never speak ill about the company or your prior boss.
• Do some research about the company you’re interviewing with prior to the interview.  Being prepared and having some knowledge about the company could work in your favor.
• Have all pertinent documentation with you at the time of the interview.  That means any letters of recommendations, references, transcripts or education proof, and such.
• Have a few questions prepared for the interviewers on topics you’re concerned with.  It shows interest in the position and the company, and will leave a positive impression with your interviewers.