Interviewers Rate You on These Four Traits

A job interview forces you to put your best foot forward and eagerly sell your experience and skills. However, many candidates have similar skills and qualifications that make hiring decisions more complicated. Learn what traits interviewers are seeking in applicants to tip the decision in your favor.

1. Communication Abilities

Although you may have proficiency or expert-level experience to complete the tasks of the job, interviewers are looking for potential employees who possess strong communication skills. Articulate your experience so that it is clear during a job interview to demonstrate that you are an expert communicator. Use your body language to illustrate the information you are discussing, and keep your tone of voice professional and courteous. Strong communicators also make eye contact, lean forward when they answer interview questions and interact with hiring managers in a manner that displays confidence.

2. Eagerness and Enthusiasm

Hiring managers often have to make difficult decisions when they are evaluating two or more candidates who have equal qualifications. Stand out from the remaining applicants by showing enthusiasm during the job interview. Research the company's products and services, mission, goals, and company culture so you can ask questions that are specific while you display your knowledge. Show that you are eager to work for this company with your body language. Smile often, nod your head when listening to the interviewer discuss the company's operations, and stay confident.

3. Personality

Keep your stance professional throughout the job interview, but show the positive aspects of your personality so you can tip the scales in your favor. Let the interviewer see how you would interact with other co-workers by actively engaging in the conversation. Discuss your experiences in past positions that detail how well you have worked with teams. Articulate your leadership style, and provide specific examples of how you have maintained positive relationships with co-workers, supervisors and customers. Construct your responses to interview questions during the job interview into a narrative so the discussion is personable and professional.

4. Technical Skills

Provide evidence that you can complete the tasks required of the position. Although your resume may list software programs or equipment proficiencies, elaborate on how you used technology in previous positions. Provide specific examples so the interviewer is convinced that you can handle what is expected of a new employee. Research the job description to identify keywords used and filter these into the conversation when discussing technical qualifications and, most importantly, how your skills match the position requirements.

Hiring managers must make difficult decisions when faced with candidates who are all qualified and skilled, yet possess differing personalities. Stand out from the rest of the applicants by displaying strong communication skills, a pleasant personality and enthusiasm as you are evaluated during a job interview.

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