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It's important to develop future skills because having them can increase your
success and help improve your career prospects as new occupations emerge with
digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. No matter what career you
may consider, developing and enhancing these skills is useful. Future skills can
also help you:
Become more adaptable
Adjust to career changes and new environments
Open opportunities for advancement
Succeed in a variety of settings
Improve teamwork skills
Operate in a digital world
Add value beyond what automation systems and artificial learning offer
Offer greater benefits to companies that hire you
1. Analytical thinking
Employers will continue to look for employees that can think analytically to find
solutions to problems. Thinking analytically can help you categorize information
into small groups to better interpret data and make accurate conclusions. You use
analytical thinking to detect patterns, brainstorm, interpret data, integrate new
information and make decisions based on multiple factors and options.
Many careers rely on this skill for research, problem-solving and predicting
trends. One way to help develop analytical thinking skills is to be more observant
of your surroundings and put effort into understanding the way things work.
When you expand your knowledge of the industry, you'll spend less time testing
and more time solving problems faster.
2. Active learning
Active learning is an education strategy that uses activities to fully engage in the
material you're trying to learn. Being an active learner can help you develop skills
and learn how to perform job tasks quickly. This is valuable to employers because
it means you're adaptable so it may be easier to train you.
You can develop active learning skills by immersing yourself in topics through
discussion, role-play scenarios and problem-solving to obtain a complete
understanding of the material.
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3. Complex problem-solving
Complex problem-solving is the ability to gather the information needed to
analyze an issue and use strategic planning to resolve it. This skill helps identify
issues in real-world business settings. Businesses face complex problems every
day, and it's important they hire employees who can develop creative solutions.
Practicing critical thinking can help improve your problem-solving skills. It’s
important to be able to look at a problem from different vantage points, develop
alternative solutions and then select the best solution.
6. Creativity
Creativity involves the ability to think of unique solutions and use your
perspective to see situations differently. It can be a useful tool for developing new
ideas, increasing efficiency and devising solutions to complex problems.
Creativity is also a skill that can translate to any job role in every industry.
If you have the opportunity, choose to be on a team of people who have different
perspectives than you. Doing so can broaden your own point of view and inspire
new ways for you to do your work.
7. Critical thinking and analysis
Critical thinking is the act of analyzing facts to understand a problem or topic
thoroughly. The critical thinking process typically includes steps such as
collecting information and data, asking thoughtful questions and analyzing
possible solutions. Good critical thinkers can work both independently and with
others to solve problems.
To improve your critical thinking skills, expand your industry-specific or
technical skills to help you more easily identify problems. You may consider
taking additional courses in your industry that require critical thinking and
analysis.
Why is it important to improve yourself?
Bettering yourself can help you advance your career and accomplish professional
objectives. For example, you could take a certification course in your field to
increase your chances of a promotion. By taking steps to improve yourself, you
can also acquire skills outside of traditional educational and occupational settings.
Having well-developed hard and soft skills can aid you in a variety of workplace
settings. For instance, you might decide to develop your communication skills.
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After improving yourself in that way, you may find that you can help mediate
parties with different opinions.
How to keep improving yourself:
Follow these steps to improve yourself professionally:
1. Read often
2. Adopt a new hobby
3. Sign up for a training session
4. Identify in-demand skills
5. Try a new schedule
6. Commit to an exercise routine
7. Set big goals
8. Change your mindset
9. Find a mentor
1. Read often
Reading regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to learn. By
reading often, you can gain more insight into your field and develop a strategic
vision that helps you advance along your career path. Try searching for new
sources that will expand your expertise. Seek out authors from different countries
and cultures or read alternative viewpoints. Consider challenging yourself to learn
a new language that introduces you to even more reading material.
For example, you can make a list of the top books, blogs and publications in your
industry, then make time to read every day.
2. Adopt a new hobby
Work and family obligations might be your top priorities, but having a hobby or
two is essential for creating a work-life balance. Sports, crafts and other activities
can help you take a break from your regular responsibilities, and they encourage
you to learn and grow outside of work.
Think carefully about how you spend your time. You might be able to join a sports
team, master a new-to-you craft or plan short getaways with just a few free hours
each week.
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3. Sign up for a training session
While you can learn new skills independently, joining a class can add structure to
your learning experience. When you sign up for an extracurricular lesson or a
company-sponsored training session, you can pursue hard or soft skills with the
help of an expert.
You can start by signing up for a one-time training session that meets after work.
After completing an individual session, consider registering for a multisession
workshop or a longer class. Choose the topic carefully by identifying specific
goals you want to achieve.
4. Identify in-demand skills
If you are focused on advancing your career, identifying specific skills you need
for advanced positions can help you improve yourself. In addition to standard
abilities, pay attention to emerging skills that could help you gain a competitive
edge.
Try reading industry publications to learn about the most in-demand skills in your
industry. Consider signing up for a class to master these skills so you can position
yourself at the top of your field.
5. Try a new schedule
Adopting a new schedule can offer a different perspective on how you use your
time. Rethinking the way you spend your day and pinpointing your most
productive hours can help you identify new ways to maximize the time you have.
For example, try waking up an hour earlier for an entire week to set aside time
for yourself to learn, grow and improve. You can also allow yourself an hour
before bed to read or allot an hour in the middle of the day to pursue a new hobby.
6. Commit to an exercise routine
Working out regularly can improve your health, increase your life span and
contribute to a better quality of life at work and beyond. Adopting an exercise
routine can also clear your mind and help you relax, which can improve your
productivity.
Consider committing to working out for a few hours a week for an entire month.
Choose a sport or a type of exercise you like, and consider partnering with a gym
buddy to make the process fun. Cheer yourself on every time you accomplish a
workout. If you miss a session, try to resume your normal workout schedule as
quickly as possible to develop a healthy new habit.
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7. Set big goals
On a typical day, you might have a series of small goals to accomplish. These can
include everything from arriving at work on time and finishing a project to eating
dinner with your family and finding time to relax together. You might even have
long-term goals like saving for a down payment on a house or taking a vacation
next summer. To improve yourself, make a point of thinking bigger.
For example, consider what you want to accomplish in the next five years, such
as transitioning into a more rewarding career or launching your own startup
company. Then establish specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and
timesensitive (SMART) goals to develop a plan for accomplishing these
objectives.
8. Change your mindset
Take steps to adjust the way you think. When you change your mindset, you might
realize you have more control over your circumstances than you previously
thought. Knowing what you can and cannot control can empower you to improve
your quality of life.
For example, you can start by questioning the status quo and any assumptions
about your life situation. Consider asking yourself why you believe what you do,
and challenge yourself to rethink the truth behind your beliefs.
9. Find a mentor
Striving for self-improvement can be more rewarding when you have a guide to
lead the way. Whether you need professional inspiration or expert assistance,
seeking a mentor can help you achieve your biggest goals.
To find a mentor, think about who you admire or who you want to be in 10 years.
Look for a professional with excellent leadership skillsand extensive experience
in your field. Consider a mentor who can offer you the insight you need to
accomplish your goals.
7 Ways to Improve Your Job Search:
There’s a lot you can do to improve your prospects and make the next hiring
manager to come across your CV more likely to pick up the phone and invite you
for an interview.
Here are 7 ways that you can increase your prospects and streamline your job
search!
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1. Streamline your CV
Your CV should be as clear and concise as possible. Showcase the roles that are
most relevant to the job you’re applying for, communicating the skills and
experience that is the most applicable to the either the specific role you are
applying for or the type of work you really want, if you are uploading to a job
board.
2. Learn new skills online
A great way of boosting the number of skills on your CV is to undertake one of
the many low cost or free courses available online. This can help you to stand out
from the crowd, demonstrate your commitment and interest in a new area of work,
if you’re looking to change career, and develop your skill set further in your
current industry.
Here are some websites that offer free courses:
Future Learn
LinkedIn
The British Council
3. Volunteer
Another great way to strengthen your CV is to undertake volunteering work. This
unpaid work demonstrates your work ethic to an employer and shows that you’re
proactive, ready to learn new skills and adapt to new environments. It also proves
strength of character as you’ve shown you are happy to give up your time to good
causes. Have a look online or reach out to charity shops or community centres
that you feel passionate about for volunteering opportunities.
4. Clean your online presence
It may sound obvious these days, but its a good idea to periodically check what
comes up when you google your name online. Does your online presence align
with the profile and interests on your CV? Any social media accounts linked to
your name are likely to be viewed by a potential employer, so ensure that nothing
inappropriate could ruin your chances. Sometimes websites can make changes to
their privacy settings that can leave you exposed without your knowledge, so it’s
important to check periodically.
5. Widen your search
You can raise your chances of finding work by examining what other sectors or
roles your skills might translate into. If you’re struggling to find a role in your
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normal area of work, try to be open minded and compare job descriptions with
your own professional and personal experience. Job titles are not always the most
reliable indication of the suitability of a role.
This strategy can sometimes lead to great things, as you discover new passions
and interests that you may not have known existed!
6. Improve your language skills
Brushing up on your language skills can make you more attractive to employers,
and can even mean you earn more in the long run! Research has shown that people
with a second language earn on average 10% more than those without.
Even if the role doesn’t specifically call for it, an extra language can often be of
use to employers. If the company trades overseas then having someone in the
office that speaks the language can be fantastic. We’re not going to pretend it’s
easy to learn a language, but it can be a fun, rewarding way of improving your
candidate profile.
What Should Students Be Doing To Improve Their Skills For Future Job
Opportunities?
It’s easy to learn how to identify and improve your skills, through education and
experience, to put yourself in the best position to kickstart your Tourism career.
Your skill set is the unique combination of abilities, qualities and experiences you
apply to perform tasks well. As well as being required in the workplace, skills are
also used also in a variety of everyday settings including home, school and other
social interactions. Each person has a different skill set depending on their
interests, natural abilities, personality type and technical capabilities, which will
make them better suited to specific roles and industries.
Tourism employers often look for similar skills when hiring, however, depending
on the company and role, there may be some variety in what recruiters are looking
for. Having a diverse skill set will increase your level of employability, expand
your professional competency and allow you to perform a job well, once you’ve
got it. Spending time improving your skills can help you achieve personal career
goals such as getting the job you apply for, earning a promotion or becoming an
expert on a certain topic. Building a skill set tailored to Tourism will be beneficial
in helping you progress in your chosen career but can also be expanded, in order
to gain work in different industry sectors.
It’s easy to learn and improve your skills, through education and experience. The
more capable you are at performing certain skills and the wider your skill set
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range, the more likely you will be to get your dream job or progress in the role
you currently have.
The specific skills that Tourism employers look for, include:
Adaptability at work
Work ethic
Customer service skills
Team working skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving
Written communication
Computer skills
Oral communication
The earlier in life you develop these skills, the better. Learning these skills puts
you in the best position to prepare yourself for a career in Tourism.
All skills, including the ones listed above, can be divided into two main types
soft skills and hard skills.
Soft skills generally include interpersonal skills and other personality traits
that allow you to communicate and work well with others. Soft skills are
often transferable skills, which means they are valuable in any job, no
matter the industry. Examples of soft skills include:
communication, decision making, leadership, motivation and team work.
Hard skills , also known as technical skills, are capabilities used to perform
a task related to a specific job. You can gain or improve hard skills through
training, education and practice. Examples of hard skills include: ICT,
foreign language fluency and First Aid.
Hybrid skills are a combination of hard and soft skills. Many employers
expect individuals to have both types of skills. A good example of a hybrid
skill relevant to the Tourism industry is customer service; while you will
need to have exceptional soft skills, like communication and conflict
resolution to work in a customer-facing role, you might also be expected
to be proficient with computers or using a specific customer service
management system, to do the job well.
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Job-specific skills are capabilities required for a certain position. These will be
listed on the job advert, discussed with candidates during the hiring process and
include both hard and soft skills. You can gain job specific skills through training
or on-the-job experience.
If you’re not sure what skills you have, spend some time thinking about these
questions:
What do you enjoy doing? The tasks that come easily to you or that you
enjoy often translate into useful skills. For example, being able to teach
others demonstrates strong communication, active listening and
problemsolving skills and is very valuable in a team.
What do you receive praise or compliments for? Consider the skills your
friends, family or teachers have noticed or complimented you on. For
example, you may have received high scores for teamwork in a group
project. Taking note of what people come to you for help with is also a
great way to identify the skills you are strongest at.
What accomplishments have you had? Think about times when you
accomplished something, big or small. You might have won an award or
got a better-than-expected grade for an assignment. What skills helped you
to achieve those things?
Once you have a good idea of what skills you currently have, it should be easier
to identify the areas you need to improve on. Don’t be embarrassed if you are
lacking in certain areas, nobody is perfect and showing self-awareness and
motivation to better yourself is an attractive quality to employers.
Now you’ve identified the skills you’d like to improve, there are lots of ways you
can develop them:
1. Set goals: setting specific goals helps you stay on track with development.
Make sure your goals are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant and time-measurable). Using a timeline to set a beginning and end
date for your goal will also help you feel a sense of accomplishment, as
you tick off smaller achievements along the way.
2. Find a Mentor: a mentor is typically someone with professional
experience, who you respect and trust, that can provide you with advice,
assistance and opportunities.
3. Ask for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses: ask teachers,
friends and family what they think your strengths are and what areas they
suggest for improvement. It’s important to get feedback from people who
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will be honest, rather than just give you praise to make you feel good. Once
you identify your weaknesses, you can focus more effectively on
developing those skills.
4. Look at job adverts for positions you are interested in: this will give
you an idea of the job-specific skills you will need to enter the Tourism
industry and highlight which of your transferrable skills would be most
useful in the role. Once you identify the skills you’ll need to join the
workforce, you can think about how to keep building these, to get the job
you want.
5. Enroll in a training programme or education course: furthering your
education in a career-related field is a great way to show prospective
employers that you are serious about getting into the industry and that you
are proactive with your time.
6. Do some job shadowing: this is a great way to learn more about the dayto-
day responsibilities of a profession and learn new skills. It’s best to shadow
individuals who are experienced, encouraging and perform well in their
positions.
7. Join a relevant group or professional association: in a group setting,
you’ll have the opportunity to chat to people about the industry, get advice
from people with experience and discover more about skills you may need
to develop. These sorts of groups are usually available at local, state,
national and international levels and you can find them easily by searching
online.
8. Gain practical experience: volunteer, find an internship or secure a work
experience placement to help develop your skills in an operational tourism
setting.
For more valuable information on getting yourself ready for a Tourism career,
please check out our other articles:
Do You Have The Skills Tourism Employers Are Looking For?
How To Build Your Tourism Skillset
CV:
Writing a resume that grabs the attention of employers and leads to job interviews
requires a combination of clarity, relevance, and customization. Here’s a step-by-
step guide to help you craft a compelling resume:
1. Choose the Right Format:
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Opt for a format that highlights your strengths and experiences. The most
common formats are chronological (listing your work history in reverse
chronological order), functional (emphasizing skills over work history), or a
combination of both
2. Tailor Your Resume to the Job:
Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight experiences, skills,
and achievements that are most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.
Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
3. Clear and Concise Contact Information:
Place your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if
applicable) prominently at the top of the resume. Ensure that your contact
information is up to date and easy to read.
4. Professional Summary/Objective:
Write a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your career goals
and key qualifications. Tailor this section to align with the job you’re applying
for, emphasizing how your background makes you a strong candidate.
5. Highlight Key Skills:
Create a dedicated section to showcase your relevant skills. Include both hard
skills (e. g. , technical skills, software proficiency) and soft skills (e. ,
communication, leadership) that are important for the role.
6. Work Experience:
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most
recent job. For each position, include the company name, location, your job title,
and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and
achievements, focusing on quantifiable accomplishments whenever possible.
7. Education and Certifications:
Provide details about your educational background, including degrees earned,
institutions attended, and relevant coursework or academic achievements. If
applicable, include certifications, licenses, or professional development courses
that are relevant to the job.
8. Optional Sections:
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Depending on your background and the job you’re applying for, you may include
additional sections such as volunteer work, internships, professional affiliations,
or language proficiency.
9. Formatting and Design:
Keep your resume clean, well-organized, and easy to read. Use a professional font
and consistent formatting throughout the document. Avoid cluttered layouts or
overly elaborate designs that could distract from your content.
10. Proofread and Edit:
Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread it for spelling, grammar, and
formatting errors. Consider asking a friend, mentor, or professional colleague to
review your resume as well, as fresh eyes can often catch mistakes you might
have missed.
By following these steps and customizing your resume to showcase your relevant
experiences and skills, you can increase your chances of grabbing the attention
of employers and securing job interviews.
How to write cover letters that stand out:
A well-written, unique cover letter can help distinguish you from other job
candidates. Here are the steps you can follow to write a cover letter that stands
out:
1. Expand on your resume
Your cover letter is an opportunity to convert some of the bullet points on your
resume into more detailed explanations of your qualifications. Cover letters are
typically a full page long, so you have room to provide additional information
that can help outline your job history or describe your unique skills. Instead of
simply copying and pasting information from your resume, be sure to include new
information in your cover letter that elaborates on your skills and experience.
2. Customize your letter to the specific job
You can customize your cover letter for the particular job to which you’re
applying. Hiring managers usually read dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters
when looking for a new hire. Using specific language can help you attract the
hiring managers attention and interest. When writing your letter, consult the job
listing and the company's website to find relevant keywords you can include in
your cover letter. Additionally, be sure to address your letter to a specific recipient
and to mention the company by name throughout your letter.
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3. Show your personality
One of the most effective ways to make your cover letter stand out is to allow
some of your personality to show through your writing. You can highlight your
personality through your tone, vocabulary and any personal traits you choose to
share. If you’re an outgoing, confident and enthusiastic person, your cover letter
might use an energized tone and lots of action words. If you’re reserved,
hardworking and team-oriented, you might use a more traditional tone and focus
on your past professional accomplishments.
4. Be professional
While showing personality in your cover letter can certainly make an impact, its
also important that your letter demonstrates your professionalism for the role. To
accomplish this, you can address your letter formally, use professional vocabulary
and maintain a consistent cover letter format. Be sure to avoid colloquialisms,
idioms and slang, which can be distracting for your reader. Maintain a pleasant,
polite tone throughout the letter and make your paragraphs and fonts consistent.
5. Write concisely
Your cover letter is most effective when it’s efficient. This means cutting out any
unnecessary words or repetitive sentences. One way to make your cover letter
stand out is to fill each paragraph with highly relevant and purposeful content.
Hiring managers appreciate any effort you make to condense your letter and make
it easier for them to find and read the most important information quickly.
6. Edit before you submit
Proofreading is the final step in writing a successful cover letter. A clean, accurate
cover letter with no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can highlight your
attention to detail. If you take the time to read your cover letter carefully and edit
it for mistakes, hiring managers are more likely to perceive you as professional
and capable. If possible, ask a friend or family member to read over your letter
and offer suggestions for corrections.
Template for cover letters that stand out
Here’s a template to help you write a cover letter that stands out:
[First name], [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State] [Zip code]
[Date]
[Company name]
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Dear [Name of hiring manager, HR manager or other staff member],
My name is [your name] and I’m applying for the [job title] position at [company
name]. I’m pleased to tell you that I believe my recent work experience and my
[specific skills, goals or accomplishments] make me an outstanding candidate for
this open position.
My previous role as a [previous job title] at [former employer's company] was
both enlightening and informative for me. As a [job title], I was responsible for
[list of primary duties]. I also helped the team by [list specific contributions you
made while working in the previous position]. I enjoyed working for [previous
employer] because [list what you liked about your previous job]. My greatest
accomplishment while working with the [previous company] team was [your
most impressive professional accomplishment].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m confident my [specific skills] and
[previous experience] make me an excellent candidate for the position of [job
title] with [company name]. I look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss
my qualifications in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
How to improve interviewing skills:
How you deliver on the interview starts long before you walk in the front door.
Being prepared beforehand is important and is having a cheery and professional
outlook. Here are several tips you can start using to improve your interviewing
skills:
1. Know how to use the job description.
2. Research the company.
3. Review your resume.
4. Prepare your clothing in advance.
5. Practice for the interview.
6. Prepare questions for the interviewer.
7. Perform an informational interview.
8. Be observant and listen closely to the interviewer.
9. Know how to respond when you need time to think.
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10.Be polite to everyone you meet.
1. Know how to use the job description
The first step in improving your interviewing skills is to know how to use the job
description when preparing for an interview. The job description provides
valuable information about the types of skills and characteristics the employer is
looking for in a qualified candidate. It also tells you the duties and responsibilities
of the position.
You can use this information to prepare mock-interview questions that are geared
toward the skills and experiences the employer is looking for. You can also use it
as a checklist to think about specific experiences and examples to use in your
answers.
2. Research the company
Next, you should try to gather as much information as possible about the company
you are interviewing with before the interview. The more you know about the
company, the better you will be able to answer questions in a manner that shows
you are a good fit for their culture. This research can also help you ensure the
company is a good fit for you.
You should try to learn things such as what the company's mission and vision
statements are, what its values are, how the company is different from its
competitors and what the company culture is like. You can usually gather this
information from the company's website, social media pages and online reviews.
3. Review your resume
Next, you should review your resume and ensure it highlights the skills and
strengths that make you the best candidate for the position you are applying for
based on the information you gathered from the job description and your research
about the company. You should also make sure the information in your resume is
accurate and that you know the important facts in your resume well so you can
refer back to it during the interview.
4. Prepare your clothing in advance
Next, you should try to choose what you will wear to the interview. Preparing
what you wear before the day of your interview will give you enough time to
ensure that everything is in order for your appearance. Try on your clothing for
fit and determine if purchasing something new is in order. Perhaps you'll decide
upon needing accessories such as a belt, tie or stockings for a cleaner, composed
look and will have time to put that together beforehand. Getting this together
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beforehand will prevent last-minute wardrobe mishaps. It will also save you
precious time on the day of your interview.
5. Practice for the interview
One of the best ways to improve your interviewing skills is to practice for the
interview beforehand. Practicing for an interview can include several things such
as working on your body language and nonverbal communication skills, wearing
your interview outfit to ensure you are comfortable in it and answering questions
you expect the interviewer to ask out loud to a friend, on-camera or in the mirror.
The more you practice before your interview, the more comfortable and confident
you will appear during your interview.
6. Prepare questions for the interviewer
At some point during your interview, usually toward the end, the interviewer will
ask if you have any questions for them. You should always try to have at least a
few questions prepared to ask the interviewer. However, it is important to make
sure the questions you plan to ask do not have answers that can be easily found
online with thorough research. You should try to ask questions about the
company, the specific position you are applying for or any details you would like
more information about.
7. Perform an informational interview
Next, you may want to consider finding someone to interview who works at the
company or in the industry of interest. An informational interview allows you to
expand your professional network and gather valuable insight about a specific
company's culture or industry tips that can help you stand out as a better candidate
during a job interview.
You can find and reach out to industry and company insiders on social media.
Make sure you disclose the fact that you have applied or are interviewing for a
position with their company when asking for an informational interview. Once
they agree to meet, you can ask questions about how they got their start in the
industry, what skills they think are most important to being successful in the role
and what qualities the company looks for in new hires.
8. Be observant and listen closely to the interviewer
It is important to remain attentive to what the interviewer is saying throughout
the interview. You should try to pay close attention to everything the interviewer
says to ensure you can answer each question appropriately. Try not to allow things
going on around you to distract you from the conversation with the interviewer.
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In addition to listening closely to the questions they ask, try to focus on how they
respond to the answers you give to each question. You might be able to learn new
information that will help you provide better answers to questions they ask you
later in the interview. Doing this will show the interviewer you are interested in
what they are saying and prove your ability to pay attention to detail.
9. Know how to respond when you need time to think
During your interview, the interviewer might ask you a question you don't
immediately have an answer for. It is important to know how to respond when
this happens. It is ok to take a minute to think about your answer, just let the
interviewer know that it's a great question and you need a minute to think about
your answer. Doing this will show the interviewer you can respond calmly when
faced with a challenge and will also highlight your problem-solving skills.
10. Be polite to everyone you meet
In addition to the person who is performing your interview, you may meet several
other people throughout the company during your interview. For example, you
may be greeted by a receptionist or secretary, be escorted to the interview room
by someone from human resources, interview with one or several supervisors or
managers and see other employees as you are walking through the company. It is
important to be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet because this will
show the interviewer how well you will fit into the company's culture.
Nonverbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good
impression in interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate
assessments should be based on skills and qualifications, and workplaces should
strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual differences in
communication styles.

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lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
It's important to develop future skills because having them can increase your
success and help improve your career prospects as new occupations emerge with
digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. No matter what career you
may consider, developing and enhancing these skills is useful. Future skills can also help you: • Become more adaptable •
Adjust to career changes and new environments •
Open opportunities for advancement •
Succeed in a variety of settings • Improve teamwork skills • Operate in a digital world •
Add value beyond what automation systems and artificial learning offer •
Offer greater benefits to companies that hire you 1. Analytical thinking
Employers will continue to look for employees that can think analytically to find
solutions to problems. Thinking analytically can help you categorize information
into small groups to better interpret data and make accurate conclusions. You use
analytical thinking to detect patterns, brainstorm, interpret data, integrate new
information and make decisions based on multiple factors and options.
Many careers rely on this skill for research, problem-solving and predicting
trends. One way to help develop analytical thinking skills is to be more observant
of your surroundings and put effort into understanding the way things work.
When you expand your knowledge of the industry, you'll spend less time testing
and more time solving problems faster. 2. Active learning
Active learning is an education strategy that uses activities to fully engage in the
material you're trying to learn. Being an active learner can help you develop skills
and learn how to perform job tasks quickly. This is valuable to employers because
it means you're adaptable so it may be easier to train you.
You can develop active learning skills by immersing yourself in topics through
discussion, role-play scenarios and problem-solving to obtain a complete
understanding of the material. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
3. Complex problem-solving
Complex problem-solving is the ability to gather the information needed to
analyze an issue and use strategic planning to resolve it. This skill helps identify
issues in real-world business settings. Businesses face complex problems every
day, and it's important they hire employees who can develop creative solutions.
Practicing critical thinking can help improve your problem-solving skills. It’s
important to be able to look at a problem from different vantage points, develop
alternative solutions and then select the best solution. 6. Creativity
Creativity involves the ability to think of unique solutions and use your
perspective to see situations differently. It can be a useful tool for developing new
ideas, increasing efficiency and devising solutions to complex problems.
Creativity is also a skill that can translate to any job role in every industry.
If you have the opportunity, choose to be on a team of people who have different
perspectives than you. Doing so can broaden your own point of view and inspire
new ways for you to do your work.
7. Critical thinking and analysis
Critical thinking is the act of analyzing facts to understand a problem or topic
thoroughly. The critical thinking process typically includes steps such as
collecting information and data, asking thoughtful questions and analyzing
possible solutions. Good critical thinkers can work both independently and with others to solve problems.
To improve your critical thinking skills, expand your industry-specific or
technical skills to help you more easily identify problems. You may consider
taking additional courses in your industry that require critical thinking and analysis.
Why is it important to improve yourself?
Bettering yourself can help you advance your career and accomplish professional
objectives. For example, you could take a certification course in your field to
increase your chances of a promotion. By taking steps to improve yourself, you
can also acquire skills outside of traditional educational and occupational settings.
Having well-developed hard and soft skills can aid you in a variety of workplace
settings. For instance, you might decide to develop your communication skills. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
After improving yourself in that way, you may find that you can help mediate
parties with different opinions.
How to keep improving yourself:
Follow these steps to improve yourself professionally: 1. Read often 2. Adopt a new hobby
3. Sign up for a training session 4. Identify in-demand skills 5. Try a new schedule
6. Commit to an exercise routine 7. Set big goals 8. Change your mindset 9. Find a mentor 1. Read often
Reading regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to learn. By
reading often, you can gain more insight into your field and develop a strategic
vision that helps you advance along your career path. Try searching for new
sources that will expand your expertise. Seek out authors from different countries
and cultures or read alternative viewpoints. Consider challenging yourself to learn
a new language that introduces you to even more reading material.
For example, you can make a list of the top books, blogs and publications in your
industry, then make time to read every day. 2. Adopt a new hobby
Work and family obligations might be your top priorities, but having a hobby or
two is essential for creating a work-life balance. Sports, crafts and other activities
can help you take a break from your regular responsibilities, and they encourage
you to learn and grow outside of work.
Think carefully about how you spend your time. You might be able to join a sports
team, master a new-to-you craft or plan short getaways with just a few free hours each week. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
3. Sign up for a training session
While you can learn new skills independently, joining a class can add structure to
your learning experience. When you sign up for an extracurricular lesson or a
company-sponsored training session, you can pursue hard or soft skills with the help of an expert.
You can start by signing up for a one-time training session that meets after work.
After completing an individual session, consider registering for a multisession
workshop or a longer class. Choose the topic carefully by identifying specific goals you want to achieve.
4. Identify in-demand skills
If you are focused on advancing your career, identifying specific skills you need
for advanced positions can help you improve yourself. In addition to standard
abilities, pay attention to emerging skills that could help you gain a competitive edge.
Try reading industry publications to learn about the most in-demand skills in your
industry. Consider signing up for a class to master these skills so you can position
yourself at the top of your field. 5. Try a new schedule
Adopting a new schedule can offer a different perspective on how you use your
time. Rethinking the way you spend your day and pinpointing your most
productive hours can help you identify new ways to maximize the time you have.
For example, try waking up an hour earlier for an entire week to set aside time
for yourself to learn, grow and improve. You can also allow yourself an hour
before bed to read or allot an hour in the middle of the day to pursue a new hobby.
6. Commit to an exercise routine
Working out regularly can improve your health, increase your life span and
contribute to a better quality of life at work and beyond. Adopting an exercise
routine can also clear your mind and help you relax, which can improve your productivity.
Consider committing to working out for a few hours a week for an entire month.
Choose a sport or a type of exercise you like, and consider partnering with a gym
buddy to make the process fun. Cheer yourself on every time you accomplish a
workout. If you miss a session, try to resume your normal workout schedule as
quickly as possible to develop a healthy new habit. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336 7. Set big goals
On a typical day, you might have a series of small goals to accomplish. These can
include everything from arriving at work on time and finishing a project to eating
dinner with your family and finding time to relax together. You might even have
long-term goals like saving for a down payment on a house or taking a vacation
next summer. To improve yourself, make a point of thinking bigger.
For example, consider what you want to accomplish in the next five years, such
as transitioning into a more rewarding career or launching your own startup
company. Then establish specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and
timesensitive (SMART) goals to develop a plan for accomplishing these objectives. 8. Change your mindset
Take steps to adjust the way you think. When you change your mindset, you might
realize you have more control over your circumstances than you previously
thought. Knowing what you can and cannot control can empower you to improve your quality of life.
For example, you can start by questioning the status quo and any assumptions
about your life situation. Consider asking yourself why you believe what you do,
and challenge yourself to rethink the truth behind your beliefs. 9. Find a mentor
Striving for self-improvement can be more rewarding when you have a guide to
lead the way. Whether you need professional inspiration or expert assistance,
seeking a mentor can help you achieve your biggest goals.
To find a mentor, think about who you admire or who you want to be in 10 years.
Look for a professional with excellent leadership skillsand extensive experience
in your field. Consider a mentor who can offer you the insight you need to accomplish your goals.
7 Ways to Improve Your Job Search:
There’s a lot you can do to improve your prospects and make the next hiring
manager to come across your CV more likely to pick up the phone and invite you for an interview.
Here are 7 ways that you can increase your prospects and streamline your job search! lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336 1. Streamline your CV
Your CV should be as clear and concise as possible. Showcase the roles that are
most relevant to the job you’re applying for, communicating the skills and
experience that is the most applicable to the either the specific role you are
applying for or the type of work you really want, if you are uploading to a job board.
2. Learn new skills online
A great way of boosting the number of skills on your CV is to undertake one of
the many low cost or free courses available online. This can help you to stand out
from the crowd, demonstrate your commitment and interest in a new area of work,
if you’re looking to change career, and develop your skill set further in your current industry.
Here are some websites that offer free courses: • Future Learn • LinkedIn • The British Council 3. Volunteer
Another great way to strengthen your CV is to undertake volunteering work. This
unpaid work demonstrates your work ethic to an employer and shows that you’re
proactive, ready to learn new skills and adapt to new environments. It also proves
strength of character as you’ve shown you are happy to give up your time to good
causes. Have a look online or reach out to charity shops or community centres
that you feel passionate about for volunteering opportunities.
4. Clean your online presence
It may sound obvious these days, but its a good idea to periodically check what
comes up when you google your name online. Does your online presence align
with the profile and interests on your CV? Any social media accounts linked to
your name are likely to be viewed by a potential employer, so ensure that nothing
inappropriate could ruin your chances. Sometimes websites can make changes to
their privacy settings that can leave you exposed without your knowledge, so it’s
important to check periodically. 5. Widen your search
You can raise your chances of finding work by examining what other sectors or
roles your skills might translate into. If you’re struggling to find a role in your lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
normal area of work, try to be open minded and compare job descriptions with
your own professional and personal experience. Job titles are not always the most
reliable indication of the suitability of a role.
This strategy can sometimes lead to great things, as you discover new passions
and interests that you may not have known existed!
6. Improve your language skills
Brushing up on your language skills can make you more attractive to employers,
and can even mean you earn more in the long run! Research has shown that people
with a second language earn on average 10% more than those without.
Even if the role doesn’t specifically call for it, an extra language can often be of
use to employers. If the company trades overseas then having someone in the
office that speaks the language can be fantastic. We’re not going to pretend it’s
easy to learn a language, but it can be a fun, rewarding way of improving your candidate profile.
What Should Students Be Doing To Improve Their Skills For Future Job Opportunities?
It’s easy to learn how to identify and improve your skills, through education and
experience, to put yourself in the best position to kickstart your Tourism career.
Your skill set is the unique combination of abilities, qualities and experiences you
apply to perform tasks well. As well as being required in the workplace, skills are
also used also in a variety of everyday settings including home, school and other
social interactions. Each person has a different skill set depending on their
interests, natural abilities, personality type and technical capabilities, which will
make them better suited to specific roles and industries.
Tourism employers often look for similar skills when hiring, however, depending
on the company and role, there may be some variety in what recruiters are looking
for. Having a diverse skill set will increase your level of employability, expand
your professional competency and allow you to perform a job well, once you’ve
got it. Spending time improving your skills can help you achieve personal career
goals such as getting the job you apply for, earning a promotion or becoming an
expert on a certain topic. Building a skill set tailored to Tourism will be beneficial
in helping you progress in your chosen career but can also be expanded, in order
to gain work in different industry sectors.
It’s easy to learn and improve your skills, through education and experience. The
more capable you are at performing certain skills and the wider your skill set lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
range, the more likely you will be to get your dream job or progress in the role you currently have.
The specific skills that Tourism employers look for, include: • Adaptability at work • Work ethic • Customer service skills • Team working skills • Attention to detail • Problem solving • Written communication • Computer skills • Oral communication
The earlier in life you develop these skills, the better. Learning these skills puts
you in the best position to prepare yourself for a career in Tourism.
All skills, including the ones listed above, can be divided into two main types — soft skills and hard skills. •
Soft skills generally include interpersonal skills and other personality traits
that allow you to communicate and work well with others. Soft skills are
often transferable skills, which means they are valuable in any job, no
matter the industry. Examples of soft skills include:
communication, decision making, leadership, motivation and team work. •
Hard skills , also known as technical skills, are capabilities used to perform
a task related to a specific job. You can gain or improve hard skills through
training, education and practice. Examples of hard skills include: ICT,
foreign language fluency and First Aid. •
Hybrid skills are a combination of hard and soft skills. Many employers
expect individuals to have both types of skills. A good example of a hybrid
skill relevant to the Tourism industry is customer service; while you will
need to have exceptional soft skills, like communication and conflict
resolution to work in a customer-facing role, you might also be expected
to be proficient with computers or using a specific customer service
management system, to do the job well. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
Job-specific skills are capabilities required for a certain position. These will be
listed on the job advert, discussed with candidates during the hiring process and
include both hard and soft skills. You can gain job specific skills through training or on-the-job experience.
If you’re not sure what skills you have, spend some time thinking about these questions: •
What do you enjoy doing? The tasks that come easily to you or that you
enjoy often translate into useful skills. For example, being able to teach
others demonstrates strong communication, active listening and
problemsolving skills and is very valuable in a team. •
What do you receive praise or compliments for? Consider the skills your
friends, family or teachers have noticed or complimented you on. For
example, you may have received high scores for teamwork in a group
project. Taking note of what people come to you for help with is also a
great way to identify the skills you are strongest at. •
What accomplishments have you had? Think about times when you
accomplished something, big or small. You might have won an award or
got a better-than-expected grade for an assignment. What skills helped you to achieve those things?
Once you have a good idea of what skills you currently have, it should be easier
to identify the areas you need to improve on. Don’t be embarrassed if you are
lacking in certain areas, nobody is perfect and showing self-awareness and
motivation to better yourself is an attractive quality to employers.
Now you’ve identified the skills you’d like to improve, there are lots of ways you can develop them:
1. Set goals: setting specific goals helps you stay on track with development.
Make sure your goals are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant and time-measurable). Using a timeline to set a beginning and end
date for your goal will also help you feel a sense of accomplishment, as
you tick off smaller achievements along the way.
2. Find a Mentor: a mentor is typically someone with professional
experience, who you respect and trust, that can provide you with advice, assistance and opportunities.
3. Ask for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses: ask teachers,
friends and family what they think your strengths are and what areas they
suggest for improvement. It’s important to get feedback from people who lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
will be honest, rather than just give you praise to make you feel good. Once
you identify your weaknesses, you can focus more effectively on developing those skills.
4. Look at job adverts for positions you are interested in: this will give
you an idea of the job-specific skills you will need to enter the Tourism
industry and highlight which of your transferrable skills would be most
useful in the role. Once you identify the skills you’ll need to join the
workforce, you can think about how to keep building these, to get the job you want.
5. Enroll in a training programme or education course: furthering your
education in a career-related field is a great way to show prospective
employers that you are serious about getting into the industry and that you are proactive with your time.
6. Do some job shadowing: this is a great way to learn more about the dayto-
day responsibilities of a profession and learn new skills. It’s best to shadow
individuals who are experienced, encouraging and perform well in their positions.
7. Join a relevant group or professional association: in a group setting,
you’ll have the opportunity to chat to people about the industry, get advice
from people with experience and discover more about skills you may need
to develop. These sorts of groups are usually available at local, state,
national and international levels and you can find them easily by searching online.
8. Gain practical experience: volunteer, find an internship or secure a work
experience placement to help develop your skills in an operational tourism setting.
For more valuable information on getting yourself ready for a Tourism career,
please check out our other articles: •
Do You Have The Skills Tourism Employers Are Looking For? •
How To Build Your Tourism Skillset CV:
Writing a resume that grabs the attention of employers and leads to job interviews
requires a combination of clarity, relevance, and customization. Here’s a step-by-
step guide to help you craft a compelling resume: 1. Choose the Right Format: lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
Opt for a format that highlights your strengths and experiences. The most
common formats are chronological (listing your work history in reverse
chronological order), functional (emphasizing skills over work history), or a combination of both
2. Tailor Your Resume to the Job:
Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight experiences, skills,
and achievements that are most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.
Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
3. Clear and Concise Contact Information:
Place your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if
applicable) prominently at the top of the resume. Ensure that your contact
information is up to date and easy to read.
4. Professional Summary/Objective:
Write a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your career goals
and key qualifications. Tailor this section to align with the job you’re applying
for, emphasizing how your background makes you a strong candidate. 5. Highlight Key Skills:
Create a dedicated section to showcase your relevant skills. Include both hard
skills (e. g. , technical skills, software proficiency) and soft skills (e. ,
communication, leadership) that are important for the role. 6. Work Experience:
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most
recent job. For each position, include the company name, location, your job title,
and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and
achievements, focusing on quantifiable accomplishments whenever possible.
7. Education and Certifications:
Provide details about your educational background, including degrees earned,
institutions attended, and relevant coursework or academic achievements. If
applicable, include certifications, licenses, or professional development courses that are relevant to the job. 8. Optional Sections: lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
Depending on your background and the job you’re applying for, you may include
additional sections such as volunteer work, internships, professional affiliations, or language proficiency. 9. Formatting and Design:
Keep your resume clean, well-organized, and easy to read. Use a professional font
and consistent formatting throughout the document. Avoid cluttered layouts or
overly elaborate designs that could distract from your content. 10. Proofread and Edit:
Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread it for spelling, grammar, and
formatting errors. Consider asking a friend, mentor, or professional colleague to
review your resume as well, as fresh eyes can often catch mistakes you might have missed.
By following these steps and customizing your resume to showcase your relevant
experiences and skills, you can increase your chances of grabbing the attention
of employers and securing job interviews.
How to write cover letters that stand out:
A well-written, unique cover letter can help distinguish you from other job
candidates. Here are the steps you can follow to write a cover letter that stands out:
1. Expand on your resume
Your cover letter is an opportunity to convert some of the bullet points on your
resume into more detailed explanations of your qualifications. Cover letters are
typically a full page long, so you have room to provide additional information
that can help outline your job history or describe your unique skills. Instead of
simply copying and pasting information from your resume, be sure to include new
information in your cover letter that elaborates on your skills and experience.
2. Customize your letter to the specific job
You can customize your cover letter for the particular job to which you’re
applying. Hiring managers usually read dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters
when looking for a new hire. Using specific language can help you attract the
hiring manager’s attention and interest. When writing your letter, consult the job
listing and the company's website to find relevant keywords you can include in
your cover letter. Additionally, be sure to address your letter to a specific recipient
and to mention the company by name throughout your letter. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
3. Show your personality
One of the most effective ways to make your cover letter stand out is to allow
some of your personality to show through your writing. You can highlight your
personality through your tone, vocabulary and any personal traits you choose to
share. If you’re an outgoing, confident and enthusiastic person, your cover letter
might use an energized tone and lots of action words. If you’re reserved,
hardworking and team-oriented, you might use a more traditional tone and focus
on your past professional accomplishments. 4. Be professional
While showing personality in your cover letter can certainly make an impact, it’s
also important that your letter demonstrates your professionalism for the role. To
accomplish this, you can address your letter formally, use professional vocabulary
and maintain a consistent cover letter format. Be sure to avoid colloquialisms,
idioms and slang, which can be distracting for your reader. Maintain a pleasant,
polite tone throughout the letter and make your paragraphs and fonts consistent. 5. Write concisely
Your cover letter is most effective when it’s efficient. This means cutting out any
unnecessary words or repetitive sentences. One way to make your cover letter
stand out is to fill each paragraph with highly relevant and purposeful content.
Hiring managers appreciate any effort you make to condense your letter and make
it easier for them to find and read the most important information quickly.
6. Edit before you submit
Proofreading is the final step in writing a successful cover letter. A clean, accurate
cover letter with no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can highlight your
attention to detail. If you take the time to read your cover letter carefully and edit
it for mistakes, hiring managers are more likely to perceive you as professional
and capable. If possible, ask a friend or family member to read over your letter
and offer suggestions for corrections.
Template for cover letters that stand out
Here’s a template to help you write a cover letter that stands out:
[First name], [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State] [Zip code] [Date] [Company name] lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
Dear [Name of hiring manager, HR manager or other staff member],
My name is [your name] and I’m applying for the [job title] position at [company
name]. I’m pleased to tell you that I believe my recent work experience and my
[specific skills, goals or accomplishments] make me an outstanding candidate for this open position.
My previous role as a [previous job title] at [former employer's company] was
both enlightening and informative for me. As a [job title], I was responsible for
[list of primary duties]. I also helped the team by [list specific contributions you
made while working in the previous position]. I enjoyed working for [previous
employer] because [list what you liked about your previous job]. My greatest
accomplishment while working with the [previous company] team was [your
most impressive professional accomplishment].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m confident my [specific skills] and
[previous experience] make me an excellent candidate for the position of [job
title] with [company name]. I look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss
my qualifications in more detail. Sincerely, [Your name]
How to improve interviewing skills:
How you deliver on the interview starts long before you walk in the front door.
Being prepared beforehand is important and is having a cheery and professional
outlook. Here are several tips you can start using to improve your interviewing skills:
1. Know how to use the job description. 2. Research the company. 3. Review your resume.
4. Prepare your clothing in advance.
5. Practice for the interview.
6. Prepare questions for the interviewer.
7. Perform an informational interview.
8. Be observant and listen closely to the interviewer.
9. Know how to respond when you need time to think. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
10.Be polite to everyone you meet.
1. Know how to use the job description
The first step in improving your interviewing skills is to know how to use the job
description when preparing for an interview. The job description provides
valuable information about the types of skills and characteristics the employer is
looking for in a qualified candidate. It also tells you the duties and responsibilities of the position.
You can use this information to prepare mock-interview questions that are geared
toward the skills and experiences the employer is looking for. You can also use it
as a checklist to think about specific experiences and examples to use in your answers.
2. Research the company
Next, you should try to gather as much information as possible about the company
you are interviewing with before the interview. The more you know about the
company, the better you will be able to answer questions in a manner that shows
you are a good fit for their culture. This research can also help you ensure the
company is a good fit for you.
You should try to learn things such as what the company's mission and vision
statements are, what its values are, how the company is different from its
competitors and what the company culture is like. You can usually gather this
information from the company's website, social media pages and online reviews. 3. Review your resume
Next, you should review your resume and ensure it highlights the skills and
strengths that make you the best candidate for the position you are applying for
based on the information you gathered from the job description and your research
about the company. You should also make sure the information in your resume is
accurate and that you know the important facts in your resume well so you can
refer back to it during the interview.
4. Prepare your clothing in advance
Next, you should try to choose what you will wear to the interview. Preparing
what you wear before the day of your interview will give you enough time to
ensure that everything is in order for your appearance. Try on your clothing for
fit and determine if purchasing something new is in order. Perhaps you'll decide
upon needing accessories such as a belt, tie or stockings for a cleaner, composed
look and will have time to put that together beforehand. Getting this together lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
beforehand will prevent last-minute wardrobe mishaps. It will also save you
precious time on the day of your interview.
5. Practice for the interview
One of the best ways to improve your interviewing skills is to practice for the
interview beforehand. Practicing for an interview can include several things such
as working on your body language and nonverbal communication skills, wearing
your interview outfit to ensure you are comfortable in it and answering questions
you expect the interviewer to ask out loud to a friend, on-camera or in the mirror.
The more you practice before your interview, the more comfortable and confident
you will appear during your interview.
6. Prepare questions for the interviewer
At some point during your interview, usually toward the end, the interviewer will
ask if you have any questions for them. You should always try to have at least a
few questions prepared to ask the interviewer. However, it is important to make
sure the questions you plan to ask do not have answers that can be easily found
online with thorough research. You should try to ask questions about the
company, the specific position you are applying for or any details you would like more information about.
7. Perform an informational interview
Next, you may want to consider finding someone to interview who works at the
company or in the industry of interest. An informational interview allows you to
expand your professional network and gather valuable insight about a specific
company's culture or industry tips that can help you stand out as a better candidate during a job interview.
You can find and reach out to industry and company insiders on social media.
Make sure you disclose the fact that you have applied or are interviewing for a
position with their company when asking for an informational interview. Once
they agree to meet, you can ask questions about how they got their start in the
industry, what skills they think are most important to being successful in the role
and what qualities the company looks for in new hires.
8. Be observant and listen closely to the interviewer
It is important to remain attentive to what the interviewer is saying throughout
the interview. You should try to pay close attention to everything the interviewer
says to ensure you can answer each question appropriately. Try not to allow things
going on around you to distract you from the conversation with the interviewer. lOMoAR cPSD| 59078336
In addition to listening closely to the questions they ask, try to focus on how they
respond to the answers you give to each question. You might be able to learn new
information that will help you provide better answers to questions they ask you
later in the interview. Doing this will show the interviewer you are interested in
what they are saying and prove your ability to pay attention to detail.
9. Know how to respond when you need time to think
During your interview, the interviewer might ask you a question you don't
immediately have an answer for. It is important to know how to respond when
this happens. It is ok to take a minute to think about your answer, just let the
interviewer know that it's a great question and you need a minute to think about
your answer. Doing this will show the interviewer you can respond calmly when
faced with a challenge and will also highlight your problem-solving skills.
10. Be polite to everyone you meet
In addition to the person who is performing your interview, you may meet several
other people throughout the company during your interview. For example, you
may be greeted by a receptionist or secretary, be escorted to the interview room
by someone from human resources, interview with one or several supervisors or
managers and see other employees as you are walking through the company. It is
important to be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet because this will
show the interviewer how well you will fit into the company's culture.
Nonverbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good
impression in interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate
assessments should be based on skills and qualifications, and workplaces should
strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual differences in communication styles.