INTERVIEW SPECIAL ................. WHAT SKILLLS DESIRED

INTERVIEW SPECIAL  WHAT SKILLLS DESIRED

MOORTHY K UPPALURI

CEO, Randstad India

In today's highly com petitive job environment, having a degree that highlights one's core competencies and skills is not enough. Employers attribute an increased importance to the `attitude' factor along with the `aptitude'. Companies tend to look at a complete package while hiring fresh graduates and candidates need to go that extra mile to make the cut.

Here are some essential skills that can help one land a coveted job: Communication skills: The most significant way to sail through the interview is to polish one's communication skills, both written and verbal.This is the best way to stand out as a worthy candidate.

Aptitude for leadership: It is not just the academic record and domain expertise that matter, but also your proficiency to be a great leader. Not everybody can master this skill; however, one can work on building their inherent leadership qualities by taking initiatives and responsibility.

People skills: Good interpersonal skills are key as they reflect the fact that you are sociable and can work harmoniously with others. Interviewers usually test one's teamplaying skills through questions relating to reallife scenarios, including participation in extra-curricular activities.

Analytical thinking: Impromptu thinking and problem-solving skills are the qualities that prospective employers look out for in candidates.So, it is essential to build on these capabilities and demonstrate them while presenting yourself in the job market.

Willingness to learn and being proactive: It is vital for a job-seeker to come across as independent and not someone who needs to be pushed to complete tasks. In addition, out-of-the-box thinking and innovative ideas can give you the competitive corporate advantage. Interviewers will also try to gauge if a candidate is open to maintaining a continuous learning curve to reskill themselves in a dynamic workplace, and stay ahead.

Interviewers are impressed not by how much you know, but with how well you can convince the other person to think and accept your point of view.

TOI29JUN15