What are communication skills? What are ‘good communication skills’?

Often when interviewing with companies soft skills will hold an equal, if not higher, importance than technical ability, and ‘good communication skills’ is an essential criteria to fulfil. Team fit and a smooth daily working dynamic are high up on the hiring agenda for busy, fast-paced environments.

So what constitutes good communication skills:-

Listening

Being a good listener is a pivotal foundation for a good communicator. Listen thoroughly to questions being asked and what you are being told by your interviewer. People respond better to someone who takes time to listen.

Active listening involves paying close attention to the other person(s) in the conversation, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding.

Nonverbal Communication

This is your body language. Apparently when talking to someone face-to-face, overall communication processed comes ~80% from body language and ~20% from verbal communication. In other words, how you act physically can say far more than the actual words used.

Body Language;

Eye contact – make it! this shows interest in the person and what they have to say, however it’s not a staring competition and constant eye contact can make others uncomfortable.

Stand/sit up straight – sitting and standing up straight with a good posture will come across confidently and positively, creating a strong first impression. Be careful not to slouch back as the interview progresses – this can inadvertently communicate a lack of interest.

Openness – Try not cross arms, smile frequently acknowledging others comments and try not to tense up.

Verbal Communication

Confidence

Be confident in your interactions. Confidence shows that you believe in what you’re saying and will follow through. Displaying confidence can be as simple as making eye contact or using a firm(but friendly tone – ensure you don’t make statements or answers sound like questions.

Tone - Use a friendly tone and manners across all communication platforms; verbal and written. This will better enable you to engage with your interviewer and instil confidence that you will always conduct yourself professionally.

Be Succinct

Say just enough. Be neither curt or go off on too much of a tangent. If you digress, your listener may either switch-off, be uncertain of your answer and/or whether you understood the question.

Open-Mindedness

Be open to listening to and understanding the other peoples’ point of view, rather than just getting your message across. This is a good skill for an excellent communicator. Understand that it is fine to have a different opinion and to have an open dialogue about these, providing that all parties are polite and respectful. Ultimately exchanging different views can lead to more productive conversations. You need to strike the right balance in an interview situation of course; It is ill advised to air strong opinions, likewise, it is important to have them!

Respect: You will be best received by people if you convey respect for them and their ideas. Simple actions like using a person's name, making eye contact, and actively listening when a person talks will make the person feel appreciated.

If you are seeking any further or related advice regarding how prepare and conduct during interviews, please do not hesitate to contact VRS. You can also follow VRS @: www.linkedin.com/company/vrsrecruitmentuk and www.vrsrecruitment.com