Interpersonal Skills

So, what are interpersonal skills and why are they so important?

Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills, are the skills you use to interact and engage with people.   It’s the way in which you communicate and interact with people.

I once heard about someone who was hired because of his ability to connect with people. That trumped the other skills the employer was seeking, so be sure yours are up to par.  As when hiring, interpersonal skills is one of the top criteria used when evaluating candidates.

Your interpersonal skills will be evaluated during your job interview, so it's important to prepare for all interviews so you are as comfortable and confident as possible when interviewing.

The following are just some of the most important interpersonal skills:

1.    The ability to demonstrate Active Listening

2.    To be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, but that said employers are also looking for how you use body language and empathy.

3.    Conflict management and resolution – always go prepared to an interview with an example either from your personal life or from your working career on a time you demonstrated how you dealt with conflict.

4.    Employers also like to know how you deal with constructive criticism the person identifies ways in which the recipient can make changes that improve matters.  It builds up the other person, and enables then to make positive changes to their behaviour in order to avoid future problems.

5.    Employers like to see that you have a sense of humour – I also regale the time I was interviewing a candidate who upon being asked what they perceived as their weaknesses replied straight faced – SPIDERS!!

6.    The ability to demonstrate life skills is also equally important.  This ranges from decision making through communication to cooperation.

7.    Respect, this is so important – I demonstrate respect from the start.  I greet the receptionist and tell her why I am at the office and who I am there to see – I say thank you and please.  I shake the hands of everyone on the panel and tell them how nice it is to meet them. I look at the person who is asking the questions while they ask, I then reply to the panel by looking at them directly during my reply.