Global Admin
. 3rd Aug, 2025, 7:25 AM
Enhancing 12 Interview Skills: Tips for Improvement
Your interviewing skills are an important part of your ability to successfully conclude a job search. Once you've submitted your CV and cover letter, it's these skills that help you persuade a potential employer that you're the best candidate for the position. By consciously developing these skills, you increase your chances of getting a job, either now or in the future. In this article, we explain some of the most important interview skills to develop.
What are interview skills?
Interview skills are a set of skills that relate directly to the interview process, including your preparation for it. These are generally soft skills that relate to effective communication and being adequately prepared. They're an opportunity to show your diligence and interpersonal skills to the interviewer, which can increase your chances of getting the job. The best way to practise these skills is to go through lots of interviews, but there's still a lot you can do, even before your first one.
12 important interview skills
Most interviewing skills are needed during two different stages: before an interview, and during it. The latter skills predominantly relate to how you interact with the interviewer. The former skills involve being well-prepared for the interview itself. Here's a list of 12 things to focus on to improve your interviewing skills:
1. Do your research
One of the most important aspects of interview preparation is researching your potential employer. This can give you insights into what their priorities are, what they value in a potential employee and why they might be hiring. This information can help you tailor your answers in the interview to be more relevant to that company's needs. It also shows how diligent you are, and how serious you are about the job. Here are some things you might want to learn about your potential employer:
- The company history
- Its industry and clientele
- What goods or services it offers
- How big the company is
- Any recent developments
- The most prominent members of the organisation
- The company's long-term growth plan
You can find this sort of information on a company's website, its social media pages and in any promotional materials they produce. You can also find out a lot about their priorities from the job advertisement, which is worth reading and re-reading thoroughly. This also tells you much more specific information about the job itself, which helps you to manage your expectations regarding interview questions.
2. Rehearse common interview questions
In the time leading up to your interview, try to compile a list of interview questions you might expect to be asked. These are split into common interview questions that are asked in any industry, and some more specific questions that relate to the industry or job in question. Some of the more common general questions in interviews include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in working for this company?
- Why are you looking for a new position?
- What are your salary expectations?
- What are your career aspirations?
Interviewers ask these questions to learn important information about you, such as your tact, confidence, honesty and priorities. These questions are common in any setting, and knowing how to answer them is going to help you with any future job interviews. It's important to know how to answer the question, rather than simply memorising a specific answer. If you feel it'd help, practise answering these questions with a mentor, friend or relative.
3. Rehearse job-specific questions
Once you're comfortable with general interview questions, you can conduct some research into common questions for your specific job or industry. These might be technical questions or questions related to particular skills. You can find guides to many job-specific interview questions, and other guidance on interviews, on I Teach Globally.
4. Plan your own questionsTowards the end of an interview, interviewers often like to ask if you have any questions of your own. Try to think of things you're genuinely curious about that are related to the company or the job. Your research ought to have told you a lot, and any gaps can form the basis of your own questions. Try to develop a few of these in advance. Asking meaningful questions shows the interviewer that you've thought seriously about working for the company, and that you're generally curious and like to learn more.5. Be ready
In addition to your ability to answer questions, there are other things that you need for an interview. Try to ensure these things are prepared in advance to avoid a last-minute rush. These include your interview outfit, which can prepare the night before. Plan your journey as well, and take into account traffic and other considerations. If the route is one you're unfamiliar with, you can use journey planning apps to help you plan your route and timing. Remember to round up any time estimates to be safe.If you need to bring any documentation with you, make sure that this is also ready the night before. Although you might not always need them, a pen and a small notebook can also be very useful. This also shows the interviewer that you're serious about being prepared. It's also a good idea to bring an extra copy or two of your CV to the interview.6. Arrive earlyWhen you plan your journey in advance, aim to arrive five minutes early at the very latest, even after you've rounded up all your estimates. Waiting for even 15 minutes or more before an interview is preferable to coming late. Knowing that you're going to be early for the interview also ensures that you feel less stressed, and being relaxed in an interview is very good for your confidence. Wake up early so you can have breakfast or coffee at your leisure, thereby avoiding the need to rush.7. Show respect to everyone
The moment you walk into the building or office, you're already going to start making an impression. Typically, you're also going to meet more people than just your interviewer.Make sure you're polite and respectful to everyone you interact with. Smile and be courteous, as all these people know each other and may share feedback. The first impression you make can have a big impact on your overall chances of getting the job.8. Listen actively
Knowing what to say is part of your interview preparation. But during the interview, it's just as important to listen actively and attentively. Remember that not every answer you've prepared needs to be used, as it all depends on what the interviewer asks for. Listen actively to understand precisely what is being asked, which allows you to more effectively answer any questions. Active listening is also a very desirable skill, and the interview is a good opportunity to display it. This shows the interviewer that you're an effective and responsive communicator.9. Be aware of your body language
Your body language dictates a significant part of your overall impression to the interviewer. This can convey whether you're feeling confident or nervous, how open you are to others and your general attitude and demeanour. If you're applying for a job that involves regular interaction with customers or clients, this can become even more important. Below is a short list of things to keep in mind regarding your body language:- Sit and stand up straight
- Maintain regular eye contact
- Keep still, but relaxed
- Ensure your arms and legs remain uncrossed
10. Use the STAR methodIf your interviewer asks a question that requires you to provide an in-depth answer, such as explaining a situation or experience, you can use the STAR method. This helps you organise your thoughts so that your answer is both comprehensive and concise:- Situation**:** What were the conditions or events in question? Where did it take place?
- Task**:** What were your specific responsibilities in this situation?
- Action**:** What did you do to address the problem or situation?
- Result**:** What was the result of your actions?
When selecting a particular story for an in-depth answer, try to find one that had a positive outcome due to your actions. Focus on your own responsibilities, what you did and how you learned from the situation.
11. Express your gratitude
Once the interview has been concluded, thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. If you had to deal with anyone else, such as a receptionist, you can thank them before you leave as well. You can also send a follow-up email to the interviewer expressing your gratitude. This ensures that you leave a good impression.12. Review your performance
Every time you finish an interview, take some time afterwards to review how you performed. Try to identify which of your responses elicited the most positive reactions, which could be improved and anything you might have forgotten. Try to determine whether you got the reactions you were hoping for, or whether you need to reconsider your approach.Some interviewers might provide feedback, and it's always a good idea to consider it carefully. Use this information to improve your interview skills further by identifying areas of strength and areas in need of improvement.
