What are the best ways to demonstrate your skills in a job interview?

2 Use the STAR method

The STAR method is a technique for answering behavioral questions that ask you to describe a situation where you used a specific skill. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You should use the STAR method to structure your answers in a clear and concise way, and provide concrete examples of how you applied your skills to solve a problem, achieve a goal, or overcome a challenge. For example, if the interviewer asks you how you used your communication skills in a previous role, you can use the STAR method to explain the situation you faced, the task you had to accomplish, the action you took, and the result you achieved.

3 Show your enthusiasm and curiosity

Another way to demonstrate your skills in a job interview is to show your enthusiasm and curiosity for the role and the company. You can do this by researching the company's mission, vision, values, products, and culture, and expressing how your skills align with them. You can also ask insightful questions that show your interest in learning more about the role, the expectations, the challenges, and the opportunities. By showing your enthusiasm and curiosity, you demonstrate your motivation, passion, and willingness to learn and grow.

4 Provide references and testimonials

References and testimonials are another way to demonstrate your skills in a job interview. References are people who can vouch for your skills and performance, such as former employers, managers, colleagues, or clients. Testimonials are written or spoken statements that praise your skills and achievements, such as reviews, feedback, or endorsements. You should provide references and testimonials that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and that highlight your most valuable and transferable skills. You can include references and testimonials in your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile, or provide them upon request.

5 Demonstrate your soft skills

Soft skills are the interpersonal and personal attributes that enable you to work effectively with others, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Soft skills are often hard to measure, but they are essential for any job. You can demonstrate your soft skills in a job interview by using positive body language, such as eye contact, smiling, nodding, and gesturing. You can also use active listening, such as paraphrasing, clarifying, and summarizing what the interviewer says. You can also show your soft skills by giving examples of how you collaborated, led, resolved, or adapted to different situations.

6 Follow up with a thank you note

A thank you note is a simple but effective way to demonstrate your skills in a job interview. A thank you note is a message that you send to the interviewer after the interview, to express your appreciation, restate your interest, and reinforce your skills. You should send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview, and make it personalized, concise, and professional. You can use a thank you note to highlight the skills that you discussed in the interview, or mention the skills that you forgot to mention. You can also use a thank you note to address any concerns or questions that the interviewer may have, or provide additional information or samples that demonstrate your skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?