Table of Content

  1. What are Interviewing Skills?
  2. Why are Interviewing Skills Important?
  3. Important Interview Skills for Interviewees
  4. The star methods for interviews
  5. Interview Tips for Interviewees
  6. Interview Skills for Interviewers
  7. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Interviews
  8. Final Thoughts

If you're a job seeker, interview skills can be the deciding factor between a job offer and a rejection, even when your resume is strong. And if you're a hiring manager, poor interview technique can lead to hiring the wrong person. Understanding how to communicate clearly, ask targeted questions, and read body language helps both sides make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Interviewing well isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about showing that you understand the role, the company, and how your skills fit. Whether you're applying for a job or hiring someone, interview success depends on preparation, communication, and clarity. This guide breaks down the essential skills that make interviews work, from asking smart questions to using the STAR method to tell your story effectively.

What are Interviewing Skills?

Interviewing skills refer to the set of abilities that allow individuals to conduct or participate in an interview effectively. For job applicants, these include communication, confidence, listening, critical thinking, and presenting oneself professionally. For interviewers, it encompasses question framing, active listening, evaluation, empathy, and decision-making.

The ultimate goal of good interviewing skills is to make the interview process smooth, productive, and outcome-oriented. Whether you're the one asking or answering questions, your effectiveness depends on how well you navigate the interaction.

Why are Interviewing Skills Important?

Interview skills are important because they give your potential employer confidence that you can perform the job duties and accomplish your daily goals. Additionally, the skills you showcase during your interview help an employer determine and validate if your qualifications, experience and personality meet their requirements.

For example, an employer may prefer interview skills like excellent verbal communication and confidence when hiring for a customer service representative role, as the job role requires a candidate to communicate confidently with their customers.

Important Interview Skills for Interviewees

As a job seeker, the following important interview skills are crucial to making a positive impression:

Research capabilities

Strong research skills can significantly improve your interview performance. Start by analysing the job description and customising your resume accordingly. Learn about the company’s mission, culture, and recent developments. This helps you answer questions like “Why do you want to work here?” with confidence and relevance. Visit their website, read news articles, and, if possible, talk to current or former employees for deeper insight.

Interview questions preparation

Basic interview questions are common across most job roles, so practising them in advance is a smart move. Prepare for questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why should we hire you?” or “What are your weaknesses?” These skills demonstrate your readiness and professionalism during an interview. For technical roles, list and practice job-specific questions. Always craft your own answers; authenticity makes a lasting impression.

Verbal communication

During an interview, employers may pay close attention to your tone and pitch. They want to see if you can communicate your ideas clearly and cohesively. Talking too fast can make you look anxious. It also prevents you from conveying your message clearly. The ability to speak calmly to make sure that others can understand you is a skill that you can develop through practice.

Non-verbal communication

From the moment you walk into the interview room, employers will pay close attention to the non-verbal cues you portray. Non-verbal communication includes body language, posture, gestures, facial expression and eye contact. For example, if you sit with crossed legs or arms during the interview, it shows that you are nervous and anxious. Being able to maintain eye contact and having a smile on your face is important in order to succeed in an interview.

Time management

Time-management skills are important because they show that you can plan, prepare and organise your time. You should reach the interview venue at least 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time and keep track of the time you spend answering each question. Also, before coming for the interview, plan your mode and route of travel to be punctual. It is always good to keep some buffer time in case you encounter heavy traffic or a flat tyre.

Confidence

Self-confidence is the ability to stay confident in your skills and abilities. This is an essential skill because it shows that you have trust in yourself. To showcase a confident attitude during the interview, control your fidgeting, greet the employer with a handshake, talk slowly and maintain eye contact. Answering interview questions with confidence helps reassure the interviewer of your skills, experience, and knowledge.

Active listening

Active listening is as important as answering the job interview questions.  By actively listening to the employer's question, you can better understand what they’re seeking and tailor your response to meet their expectations. It also shows that you are engaged and serious about the job role. For example, when asked, 'Do you have any questions?', avoid generic inquiries. Instead, ask relevant questions that reflect the discussion. This demonstrates engagement and may enhance your chances of being hired.

Positive attitude

Having a positive attitude during an interview can influence the hiring decision in your favour. For example, when asked why you left your previous job, avoid speaking negatively about past employers. Instead, focus on positive and constructive reasons for leaving. Use active language and positive phrasing to highlight your qualifications and demonstrate a professional attitude.

Politeness

Politeness is an essential interview skill. Throughout the interview process, you may interact with various company employees, not just the employer. For instance, if you meet the receptionist, greet them courteously. Similarly, if a human resources representative escorts you to the interview room, be sure to thank them. Being consistently respectful and friendly reflects your interpersonal skills and shows that you can fit well within the organisation’s culture and work effectively with others.

Honesty

Honesty is a key quality that makes you a strong candidate. Always ensure the information you share in your resume and during the interview is accurate. Since many employers verify details, exaggerating skills or experience can backfire. For instance, if you claim fluency in Spanish, be prepared to prove it. Staying truthful builds trust and strengthens your credibility with the employer.

The star methods for interviews

The STAR interview response technique helps a candidate prepare for behavioural and situational interview questions. STAR stands for situation, task, action and result. With this technique, you can use real-life examples to give clear and concise answers. When using the STAR technique, formulate your answer using the following steps:

  • Explain a challenge or situation you faced.
  • Describe your responsibility or role in the situation of challenge.
  • Explain what actions you took to solve the problem.
  • Give details about the outcome you reached with your actions.

Interview Tips for Interviewees

For candidates preparing for a job interview, these interview tips for interviewees can enhance performance:

  • Practice Mock Interviews: Simulate real interviews to build confidence.
  • Know Your Resume: Be prepared to elaborate on anything listed.
  • Ask Smart Questions: Show interest by asking about the role or company goals.
  • Stay Positive: Avoid criticising past jobs — focus on what you learned.
  • Be Honest: Stick to the truth; don’t exaggerate your experience.
  • Follow Up: Send a thank-you note or email post-interview.

Interview Skills for Interviewers

The interviewer plays a critical role in identifying the right candidate and representing the company. Here are key interview skills for the interviewer:

  • Preparation is Key: Take time to review the candidate’s resume before the interview. Understand the job requirements clearly and prepare focused questions that assess the relevant skills and experience you're seeking.
  • Listen Actively: An interview isn't just about asking questions; it’s about truly listening. Pay close attention to how candidates respond. Look for clarity, confidence, and alignment with the role, while keeping an eye out for red flags or potential.
  • Make Them Feel Welcome: A warm welcome can set the tone. Create a comfortable and professional atmosphere where candidates feel at ease, and they're more likely to show their true potential.
  • Ask Smart Questions: Use open-ended and behavioural questions to get real insight into how the candidate thinks and works. Steer clear of leading or loaded questions that might bias the outcome.
  • Take Notes and Stay Objective: Keep notes during the interview to help compare candidates later. Use a consistent evaluation method to ensure fairness and eliminate unconscious bias.
  • Respect Everyone’s Time: Stick to the scheduled time, neither rush through nor drag the interview. A well-paced discussion keeps both sides focused and respectful of each other’s schedules.
  • Be the Face of Your Company: Interviews go both ways. Candidates are also evaluating you. Be transparent about your culture, values, and the role. Represent your employer brand with clarity and authenticity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Interviews

Arriving Late
Being late for an interview reflects poor planning and a lack of seriousness about the opportunity. It may also disrupt the interviewer’s schedule.

What to do instead: Plan your route in advance, check traffic or transport conditions, and aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

Dressing Inappropriately
Wearing overly casual or unsuitable clothing can create a negative first impression, as it may suggest you do not understand the company's culture or standards.

What to do instead: Dress professionally and appropriately for the industry. When in doubt, formal business attire is a safe choice.

Not Researching the Company
Lack of knowledge about the company can make you seem unprepared or uninterested in the role. It also makes it difficult to tailor your responses.

What to do instead: Review the company’s website, social media, and recent news. Understand its mission, services, and the nature of the role you are applying for.

Giving Vague or Generic Answers
Unclear or overly broad responses fail to demonstrate your specific value to the employer and may make you seem unprepared.

What to do instead: Prepare concise, relevant answers backed by examples. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

Speaking Negatively About Previous Employers
Criticising past employers or colleagues can appear unprofessional and raise concerns about your attitude or ability to work with others.

What to do instead: Remain respectful when discussing past roles. Emphasise what you learned or how the experience contributed to your growth.

Final Thoughts

Strong job interview skills are key to career success and organisational growth. For candidates, investing time in developing important interview skills such as communication, preparation, and using the STAR method for interviews can significantly improve outcomes. Meanwhile, recruiters and managers must hone interview skills for interviewers to select candidates who are the best fit for the role and culture.

Whether you're preparing for your first interview or refining your approach as a hiring manager, the ability to conduct and participate in interviews professionally is a skill worth developing. Remember, every interview is a two-way conversation with mutual benefits, and the impression made can be long-lasting.

Apply these skills and tips to elevate your performance in your next interview.

FAQs

1.What are interviewing skills?
Interviewing skills refer to the abilities required to conduct or participate in an interview effectively. For job seekers, they include communication, confidence, and listening. For interviewers they involve active listening, question framing, and evaluation.

2.Why are interview skills important?
Strong interview skills help candidates present themselves clearly and professionally, while also helping employers make better hiring decisions. These skills reflect a person’s ability to fit the role and company culture.

3.What is the STAR method in interviews?
The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions using real-life examples to demonstrate your experience and problem-solving skills.

4.What are the key interview skills for candidates?
Important skills include research, communication (verbal and non-verbal), confidence, active listening, honesty, politeness, time management, and a positive attitude.

5.What mistakes should be avoided during interviews?
Common mistakes include arriving late, dressing inappropriately, failing to research the company, giving vague answers, and speaking negatively about past employers. Preparation and professionalism are key to avoiding these pitfalls.