Communication skills are a person’s ability to convey information and understand information shared with them. This is an essential skill in a workplace and therefore one that is highly sought after in successful applicants. Interviewers will use a range of methods to assess a candidates communication skills including asking them to describe them directly and observing them in group tasks. However, recruiters will be observing communication skills throughout the whole interview process from how candidates interact with all staff they meet on the day to their body language in the interview itself.

Listening skills refer to a person’s ability to hear what other people are saying. This may be demonstrated in the interview itself by fully understanding an interviewers point or it may be dmeonstrated in a group activity and observed by recruiters.

Active listening means to listen with all of your senses and taking steps to encourage the person talking to fully express themselves. This involves good eye contact, body language and verbal reflections on what they are saying to confirm you are listening.

Professional approaches refer to the practicing the expected norms and behaviours expected in a professional environment. This includes the way you dress, the way you introduce yourself to people, waiting to be invited before sitting down, maintaining eye contact etc. How professional your approach is in the interview can communication how seriously you are taking the opportunity to apply for the role.

Formal language refers to speaking in a polite and professional way, avoiding slang and swearing and using industry language. Using formal language in the interview demonstrates that you are professional and are taking the process seriously. It also gives the recruiters confidence that you can make a good impression when representing the firm in communication with stakeholders.

Role play refers to asking a candidate to act out how they would respond to a given scenario. These activities give employers a good insight into a candidate’s character and how they interact with others. This allows them to picture how well each candidate will fit in with the existing personnel and culture of the firm.

Body language refers to posture, eye contact, smiling and other gestures that communicate non-verbally. Body language can have a strong impact on recruiters’ perceptions of a candidates competence and confidence levels.

Appropriate dress refers to clothing that looks clean, tidy and professional. Expectations may differ depending on the business culture. How you dress is one of the first things people notice about you and first impressions can have a significant impact on a person’s overall impression of you. Dressing appropriately shows that you are taking the opportunity seriously and can create a positive impression of you straight away.

Preparation of interview questions gives you the opportunity to prepare answers that convey your key strengths, attributes and experience that make you a desirable candidate for the role. The interview situation can be stressful which makes recall of your experiences on the spot more challenging. Preparation will help you to remember what you need to highlight.

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