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A recent study by Boston University found that about 95% of all employers will ask about your strengths and skills while conducting a job interview.
Whether you are interviewing for your first job or your 10th, your skills will always take the limelight. And while you may have an impressive list of skills that you are eager to share, it is important to know which ones are most important to employers.
It doesn’t matter which industry you work in or what position you are interviewing for. There are various skills that most interviewers will keep asking about time and time again when conducting an interview!
So, what do you do when such a question comes up?
Well, most people think that the best way to answer this question is by reciting a list of skills that they believe the interviewer wants to hear. However, this approach rarely works because it comes off as rehearsed.
Instead, it would help if you were more strategic about which skills you mention and how you talk about them. And with this blog post, we will help you do that by sharing the 10 best skills to mention in a job interview.
Why You Want To Highlight Your Skills During A Job Interview
Understanding the importance of highlighting your skills during a job interview will help you be more strategic about which ones to focus on.
Most job recruiters agree that when interviewers ask about your skills, they are looking for three main things:
- Demonstration of what value you bring to the company- When you share specific examples of how your skills have helped you achieve success in the past, it shows the interviewer that you can do the same for their company.
- Differentiation from other candidates- There are usually a handful of candidates who have the same qualifications as you. And so, the interviewer is looking for any way to help them narrow down their list. Sharing examples of your skills is one way to do this.
- An idea of what you are capable of- By highlighting your skills, you also give the interviewer a sneak peek into what you might be able to do if given the opportunity. This can be really helpful in cases where the interviewer is unsure of whether you are a good fit for the job.
How Do You Mention Your Skills In An Interview?
Now, this is where a lot of people get tripped up. They know they need to mention their skills but don’t know how to do it without sounding as though they are bragging.
Here are effective ways you can mention your skills without coming across as conceited.
- Interweave your skills while answering other questions. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a time when you had to work with a difficult client, you can share how your skills in active listening and conflict resolution helped diffuse the situation.
- Use the STAR method. This is a technique that interviewers often use to get candidates to share specific examples of their skills in action. So don’t just tell them… show them!
- Mention your skills while discussing your hobbies and interests. This is a great way to show the interviewer that you have well-rounded skills. For example, if you enjoy hiking, you can mention how your map reading and navigation skills come in handy while on the trail.
10 Best Skills And Traits To Mention During A Job Interview
Now that you have an idea of when to throw in those unique skills, it’s time to focus on which skills to mention in a job interview.
It’s important to focus on the most relevant ones to the job you are applying for and those that will give you an advantage over the other candidates. To help you out, we have put together a list of the 10 best skills to mention in a job interview.
1. Coachability
Employers want to know that you are coachable and willing to listen to feedback. They need assurance that you are open to learning new things and are willing to improve upon your weaknesses.
In fact, most employers agree that being coachable is one of an employee’s most essential skills. So, if you have a history of being coachable, share that with the interviewer.
2. Adaptability
Adaptability is an essential skill in today’s ever-changing workplace.
With technology and the global market constantly evolving, employers need employees who can adapt to change quickly. They also want to know that you can handle any impromptu project or situation and still succeed.
Employers are looking for employees who are flexible and not afraid of change. Some will even challenge you to see how you react under pressure. So, be prepared to share about a time when you had to adapt to a difficult situation.
3. Attention To Detail
No one wants to hire an employee who will make careless mistakes. So, highlight how detail-oriented you are.
Attention to detail is a skill that shows the interviewer that you are organized and meticulous. It is also a difficult skill to teach, which is why it is so valuable to employers. They believe that with this skill, you will execute all your tasks and projects accurately.
4. Great With Computers And Software
With technology becoming more prevalent in the workplace, it’s no surprise that employers value employees who are great with computers.
They want to know that you are comfortable using different types of software and are able to troubleshoot any computer issues that may arise.
If you consider yourself a tech-savvy person who can handle various project management tools like Slack, Asana, and ClickUp. Be sure to sneak this skill into the conversation. It will definitely give you an advantage over the other candidates.
5. You Understand Workplace Etiquette
In today’s digital age, it’s important to know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate workplace behavior.
Employers want to know that you are aware of the dos and don’ts of workplace etiquette. They need assurance that you will represent their company in a positive light and that you will not embarrass them with your behavior.
If you have a strong understanding of workplace etiquette, let the interviewer know.
6. You Have Experience Being In High-Stake, High-Stress Situations
All jobs have their fair share of high-stress situations. But some jobs, like those in the medical field or law enforcement, have their fair share of work-related pressure.
If you have experience being in high-stress situations, that is definitely a skill worth mentioning. It shows employers that you can keep your cool and still perform well even when the pressure is on.
7. You’re Personable With Others
To be successful in any job, you need to be able to work well with others.
Employers want to know that you are personable and will get along well with the rest of the team. They are also looking for a team player who’s not afraid of working hard.
If you have a strong track record of being friendly with others and working well in a team environment, share that with the interviewer.
8. Punctuality
Punctuality is one of the most underrated skills.
Employers want to know that you are the type of person who values their time and that you will not waste theirs with your tardiness.
They also want to know that you are reliable and that they can count on you to show up on time for your shifts. So, if you have a strong track record of being punctual, be sure to mention that to the interviewer.
9. You learn quickly
Employers are looking for people that can learn quickly and have a thirst for knowledge. They want to know that you will be able to pick up new skills and knowledge quickly and that you will be an asset to their team.
Don’t hesitate to mention this skill to the interviewer. It will definitely make them take notice of you.
10. Diligent
The interviewer would love to know that you are not a quitter who easily gives up when the going gets tough.
Being diligent shows that you have grit and determination and are not afraid of a challenge. It also shows you have a strong work ethic and will be an asset to their team. Plus, you will not cut corners or use unnecessary shortcuts to get the job done.
Mention These Skills to Stand Out in a Job Interview!
Mentioning any of the 10 skills above in a job interview will give you an edge over the other candidates. Just remember to be honest and authentic. Only mention skills that you actually have. Don’t try to fake it because eventually, your lies will be exposed.
Hopefully, with these insights, you’ll wow your interviewers and land the job.
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