Interview skills are what turn a suitable candidate into a selected one. This page introduces what an interview is, what interviewers assess, and the skills worth practising before you sit in one.
What is an interview?
An interview is a planned conversation with a purpose. In a job interview that purpose is to establish whether you can do the work, whether you will fit the team, and whether you are likely to stay.
What interviewers are assessing
- Can you do the job? — skills, knowledge, experience.
- Will you fit? — how you work with others.
- Will you stay? — motivation and interest in the role.
- How do you handle pressure? — composure when a question is difficult.
Core interview skills
1. Preparation
Know the organisation, the role, and your own CV in detail. Being unable to explain something on your own CV is among the worst impressions you can make.
2. Clear communication
Answer the question asked, structure the answer, and stop. Rambling suggests you cannot organise your thoughts.
3. Listening
Let the interviewer finish. If a question is unclear, ask for clarification rather than answering the wrong thing.
4. Body language
Sit upright, keep reasonable eye contact, and keep your hands still. Nervousness is normal and interviewers expect it; fidgeting is what becomes distracting.
5. Honesty
Do not claim skills you lack. Saying “I have not used that, but I learnt something similar quickly” is far stronger than being exposed later.
6. Asking questions
Have two or three ready about the role or team. Having none suggests you are not genuinely interested.
Before, during and after
- Before — research, rehearse common answers aloud, prepare documents, plan your route.
- During — arrive early, greet properly, listen fully, answer in structure, ask your questions.
- After — thank the interviewer, and follow up briefly if you have not heard back within the stated time.
Frequently asked questions
What are interview skills?
The abilities that let you present yourself effectively — preparation, clear communication, listening, body language, honesty and asking good questions.
How should I prepare for an interview?
Research the organisation and role, know your CV thoroughly, rehearse common answers out loud, prepare questions to ask, and organise documents in advance.
Is nervousness a problem?
No. Interviewers expect it. What matters is whether you can still listen and answer clearly.