When it comes to acing a job interview, your qualifications and work experience can only take you so far. In today's competitive job market, soft skills—like communication, integrity, adaptability, and teamwork—are what set you apart. But how do you make these less tangible qualities shine through in an interview setting? Here, we guide you through key strategies for showcasing your soft skills, navigating various interview formats, and leaving a lasting positive impression.
1. Demonstrating Key Soft Skills
Soft skills can make or break your candidacy. Here’s how to convey them with authenticity during your interview:
Integrity and Honesty
Employers value trustworthiness, and integrity is a cornerstone. Represent your experience truthfully; an interviewer will notice any inconsistencies between your resume, social profiles, and verbal answers. A clear, honest account of your career journey, even if it includes setbacks like redundancy, demonstrates resilience and self-awareness. Inconsistencies—whether unintentional or not—can be red flags, so make sure your story aligns across platforms and documents.
Strong Work Ethic
Hard work is something every employer wants to see, but simply saying you work hard isn’t enough. Show that you treat the interview process with as much respect and attention as any other job task. Arrive on time, having thoroughly researched the company’s goals and recent projects. Cite past experiences that highlight your dedication, perseverance, and capacity to go above and beyond.
Positive Attitude
From a firm handshake (or virtual equivalent) to a warm smile, your positivity should be genuine and visible. Confidence, good posture, and eye contact make a strong impression. Speak with enthusiasm about the role and organisation. Even if nervous, projecting positivity will help you feel and appear more comfortable.
2. Navigating Different Types of Interviews
Each type of interview requires a slightly different approach. Here’s how to adjust your tactics based on the format:
One-on-One Interviews
The classic one-on-one interview gives you a direct opportunity to showcase your personality and alignment with the company’s culture. Listen carefully and provide thoughtful answers, linking your responses to the role. Build rapport by mirroring the interviewer’s tone, maintaining open body language, and making eye contact.
Informal Coffee Meetings
The informal interview may seem relaxed, but it’s an opportunity to make a professional impression. Stay poised, bring a copy of your CV, and speak thoughtfully about your career journey, ensuring your responses remain relevant to the role. Treat this setting professionally, maintaining a balance between approachability and professionalism.
Panel Interviews
In a panel interview, you’ll be engaging with multiple interviewers. Address each person by name and divide your attention equally to build rapport with all members. When answering questions, provide specific examples from your experience, showing that you’re confident and comfortable handling pressure. Remember to ask questions that involve the whole group, underscoring your interest in diverse perspectives.
Assessment Centres
Common in larger hiring rounds, assessment centres can include situational exercises, psychometric tests, and team tasks. These tests assess how well you collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve under pressure. Arrive prepared, having researched the company, and be open to learning through constructive feedback. Engage with peers actively and show your ability to work as part of a team.
Video Interviews
Virtual interviews, often done via platforms like Zoom or Teams, are now a standard, especially for a first interview. Ensure that you’ve checked your technology in advance, dressing professionally and clearing distractions from your background. Position yourself in a well-lit area with a neutral backdrop, making eye contact with the camera to simulate direct engagement.
3. Virtual Interview Tips: Setting Yourself Apart
Virtual interviews come with unique challenges, but they’re also an excellent opportunity to show adaptability and professionalism:
Dress Professionally
Even though you’re at home, appearance matters. Dress as you would for an in-person interview to communicate respect for the process and role. Opt for a professional, polished background and remove any clutter.
Test Your Equipment
Test your internet, microphone, and video setup well in advance. Have a reliable backup plan in case of technical issues. Know the platform basics, from muting and unmuting to screen sharing, so you can focus on the interview itself rather than troubleshooting.
Be Mindful of Body Language
While virtual settings limit physical interaction, gestures like smiling and nodding affirmatively help communicate engagement. Refrain from checking notifications or looking away from the camera during the interview; maintain focus on the interviewer.
4. Interview Dos and Don’ts
Creating a strong impression comes down to showing up as your best self. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay on track:
The Dos:
Arrive Early:
For in-person interviews, aim to be 10–15 minutes early. For virtual interviews, log in a few minutes early to ensure your connection is stable.
Show Enthusiasm:
Employers want someone eager to join their team. Demonstrate genuine interest in the company and role by speaking positively about how you can contribute.
Prepare Informed Questions:
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’ve done your homework and are interested in the role. Inquire about team dynamics, current company projects, or future opportunities in the organisation.
Highlight Achievements with Humility:
Share your accomplishments in a way that connects to the role’s responsibilities. Frame your successes in terms of how they’ve prepared you to succeed in this new position.
Represent Yourself Honestly:
Interviewers appreciate authenticity. Avoid overreaching claims and speak from your true experiences and aspirations.
The Don’ts:
Avoid Negative Comments about Past Employers:
Always be respectful when discussing former roles or employers. Highlight the positives, even in challenging situations, and focus on what you learned.
Don’t Forget to Ask Questions:
Silence can suggest disinterest, so prepare a few questions about the company culture or future objectives.
Skip Simple “Yes” or “No” Answers:
Whenever possible, offer examples or elaborate on your responses to give the interviewer insight into your thought process and problem-solving abilities.
Maintain Strong Eye Contact and Avoid Distracting Body Language:
For virtual interviews, keep your gaze directed at the camera and maintain an open posture. Avoid looking away, as it can appear as if you’re distracted.
Forgetting to Thank the Interviewer:
Showing gratitude is essential. A simple thank-you after the interview leaves a positive final impression.
5. Preparing for Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral questions can be challenging, as they often explore how you’ve navigated past situations. Prepare by thinking about key challenges, your approach to handling them, and the results. Practice using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly. Behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give an example of…” are opportunities to showcase your soft skills and problem-solving abilities.
Examples:
- “Can you give an example of a time when you dealt with a difficult client?”
- “Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict between team members.”
Use these questions to demonstrate your flexibility, patience, and communication skills.
Final Thoughts
Interviews are an opportunity to show your skills, knowledge, and character. By preparing thoroughly, you can approach each question confidently and make a positive impression. Whether the format is virtual or in person, aim to make a genuine connection with your interviewer and emphasise what makes you the ideal candidate.
If you need additional support in preparing for your interview, our team at Adecco New Zealand is here to help you succeed. Reach out to your local branch today to start preparing for your next career step!
Check out our other article covering interview prep, or check out all our articles here.