4 Tips to Improve Your Communication Skills in Interviews

I’m spilling all of the corporate tea in this “Ask Breakroom Buddha” series.
If you have a career question that you’d like me to answer send your question here! You might be featured on the next Ask Breakroom Buddha post!

Question: How do I become more comfortable speaking during a professional interview?

My guess is that you are running into problems passing the first couple of rounds of interviews. It happens to all of us!

Usually, when we don’t hear back, it’s because:

1. There’s a lack of clarity in our direction (aka we’re not going for the right jobs).
2. We’re not properly communicating the value that we bring (aka we don’t know how to brag about ourselves).

This then causes you to question yourself, and ask questions like:

• Why am I not getting past the first interview?
• What could I be doing better in my interview?
• How do I communicate my skills and experience better in my interview?
• How can I make this interview feel less scary and intimidating?

All of these questions are valid. They come down to one key skill that no one ever really teaches you how to do: verbal communication skills.

Of course, you know how to talk and interact with people, but when you’re in an interview, it’s important to be intentional and only talk about the things that “move the needle,” and help you get that “stamp of approval” you need from the interviewer.

An interview is a two-way street, so at the same time, the interviewer/company/team needs to be checking off the figurative boxes for your dream experience as well.

This still all comes down to communication. In an interview you need to do 2 things:

• Communicate the value that you bring.
• Communicate what you are looking for from the opportunity.

Both will set you up for success!

Before The Interview: Set the Stage & Prep

Take Networking Up a Notch

You could technically do this before and after your interview, but if you do it before an upcoming interview, it really prepares you. You’ll get lots of practice talking about yourself, your passions, your goals, and your “brand” as a professional. This will help you when it’s time to explain all of this in a professional interview!

Network with peers, older professionals, younger professionals, complete strangers, your friend’s friend, etc. The more you talk to people you don’t know, the more comfortable you’ll be when you’re put in these situations.

During The Interview: Relax and Have Fun

Break The Ice

Doing a bit of research on your interviewer before the interview will help you come up with a non-work-related topic that you can kick the conversation off with.

Do this in every single interview. Even if you forget to do research prior, start with a light topic and see where the conversation goes from there.

Treat It Like a Friendly Conversation

After breaking the ice, the pressure is a little lower. Everyone is a little more comfortable too. At this point, you’re basically old pals. Take your time answering each question, and explain what you’ve done like you’re trying to explain your job to a curious friend. (remember to remain professional though).

I say treat it like a conversation. For every question, you answer, come back with a follow-up question for the interviewer. The more you get the interviewer talking about their thoughts/experiences with the company and team, the faster and more memorable the interview will be!

After the Interview: Keep the Momentum Going

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Find a part-time job, side project, hobby, or volunteer gig that requires you to do public speaking or teaching. You’ll come face to face with strangers, you’ll be thrust out of your comfort zone, and you’ll get to practice your speaking skills.

Some examples of these gigs/experiences include:

Job Interview Starter Pack