How to Communicate Effectively During an Interview

Interviews can be stressful, and we usually go to an interview nervously. Well, that was before the COVID-19 pandemic, now most interviews are online, but they still can be a stressful experience. Being nervous can make communication with the hiring manager or your potential employer more difficult. So, how can you communicate effectively during an interview so that you make a good impression on your potential future employer? Personally, I always try to view an interview as a professional conversation between two humans. This helps me calm down and feel less nervous.

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Effective communication begins before the interview. It is always advisable to research your employer and the company beforehand. Try to find out the name(s) of your interviewer(s) and their background. You can use sources like LinkedIn, Facebook, and the company’s website. Doing this allows you to find information that you can use to relate to your interviewer and the company. An example of this would be that you find out that your interviewer attended the same university as you did, and you could use this as a way of bonding with them.

Why do research at all?

Given the research you have done, you can develop a strategy that you can use to communicate with the interviewer. What I mean by this, is that the way you communicate effectively can differ depending on the interviewer and the company.

Imagine you have researched a company that embraces a fun, youthful, warm, and modern company culture. The person that will likely interview you will probably have these traits. So, when you approach this interview, you would want to emulate this type of ‘energy’ while communicating. If you approached this interview with a serious and straightforward attitude, then the interviewer would likely be put off by your energy. Although, if you were approaching an interview where the company has a serious and straightforward company culture, then this would appeal to the interviewer of that company.

When you do speak, you want to be clear and concise. You want to make sure that the interviewer understands what you are saying. You do not want to gabble, so try speaking slowly. This would also help you to stay calm, especially if you are feeling nervous. It is also advisable to not use slang, jargon, or acronyms, as it is not professional. Always ask questions as it shows a genuine interest in the company, and the job, moreover it shows that you are prepared for the interview.

We also communicate through body language, so you want to make sure that you have a good posture during the interview. Even now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sitting upright and being attentive is essential. This will show confidence and interest, which any employer will always want to have.

At the end of the day, just be yourself. If you are an enthusiastic person who gestures with his/her hands a lot, that is fine. If you are shy, that is also fine. You just have to be the most engaged, professional version of yourself when communicating, so that you can show the interviewer that you are prepared for the job that you have shown interest in.

Sources:

Interview Success Formula. (2021). 7 Ways to Improve Your Interview Communication Skills. https://www.interviewsuccessformula.com/job-interview-tips/7-ways-to-improve-your-communication-skills.php

PressBooks. (2021). Interview Strategies. https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/engrtechcomm/chapter/interview-strategies/

Riddiford, N. (2017). Communicating Effectively in a Job Interview: A resource for newcomers to New Zealand. https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/files/documents/MBIE_VUW%20Job%20Interview%20Doc_v21_Web.pdf

Author:

Thomas Banza

Article Writer & Content Contributor

April 19, 2021

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The opinions expressed in this article/publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of GiLE or its members.