Making it to the interview is a big feat. For any given job, studies show that only about 20% of applicants make it to the interview round. Whether you meet in person or online, you only have about seven seconds to make a great first impression. Within 90 seconds, most recruiters and hiring managers have already decided whether you’re hireable.

The stakes are high, which is why you should make the most of every interviewing opportunity. Ross Mudrick, a staff writer at Business News Daily, has put together a list of some of the top interview skills that can help ensure you’re presenting the best version of yourself. We share his ideas in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

  1. Ask questions. When you ask questions, this doesn’t make you seem inattentive. Rather, it shows that you want to make sure you understand properly. Try paraphrasing the question the interviewer asks and then saying, “Is this what you’re asking?” Asking thoughtful questions can also give you valuable insight into the position and the organization.
  2. Think out loud. Mudrick says many candidates immediately say “I don’t know” or try to stall when they don’t an answer to an interview question. Instead, try thinking out loud. Repeat the question and then work your way through your thought process out loud. This lets the interviewer know you’re actively thinking rather than stalling.
  3. Use nonverbal communication. The interviewer is watching you, so work on your body language to project confidence and calmness. You don’t want to appear nervous or distracted. To make sure you’re presenting your best self, Mudrick recommends practicing in front of a mirror or with a friend. Practice your eye contact and keeping good posture.
  4. Know your resume inside and out. While your resume speaks for itself, Mudrick says you can add to your credibility by providing measurable specifics about the accomplishments documented in it. Quantify your contributions when possible. This can help put your achievements in perspective.
  5. Tell an interesting story. This can set you apart from other candidates and provide a more comprehensive view of who you are and what you bring to the table. Look for ways to tie in your career experience with the employer’s needs.
  6. Showcase your knowledge of the company. Every job seeker knows they should thoroughly research the company and position they’re interviewing for, Mudrick says. However, using that information to your advantage is just as crucial. Talk about not only what you can bring to the position but also what’s going on with the organization and the promo industry in general.

If you’re hoping to move into a new promo position in the new year, take some time now to polish your interviewing skills. There are many ways you can set yourself up for success, from knowing your resume inside and out to watching your body language while the interview is in progress.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Ross Mudrick is a staff writer at Business News Daily.