People skills most important in job interview

Wondering about the types of skills that employers are looking for in prospective recruits? A survey of 1,400 chief financial officers by Accountemps showed that more tha 75 percent placed a very high value on communication skills when hiring accountants. "Accountants are required to interpret numbers and data in their business, which requires strong verbal and writing competencies," Accountemps chairma Max Messmer said. Career World says no matter what your career or school plans are, you can count on communication skills being important to your success. To start building these skills: • Take a speech class. No matter what level of education you have achieved or what industry you're in, consider Toastmasters, an international speaking organization that teaches the rudiments of public speaking and helps build confidence. Got to www.toastmasters.org to find a chapter in your area. It's a nominal, worthwhile investment. • Read Dale Carnegie's famous book, "How To Win Friends and Influence People." It was written in 1936 and still is the best book on the rudiments of interacting successfully with others. How you respond to questions during an interview is critically important. Let's say that I am interviewing for a position for which I have no experience and the interviewer says to me, "Joe, yesterday I interviewed two other candidates and each has five years of experience. You have none. Why would I hire you?" Now, I could cave in with the crackling, quivering voice of a 14-year-old and say, "Well, you probably should hire the other people. They clearly are more qualified, and frankly sir, I really have to use your bathroom." Or I could focus on the skills I do have and respond, "Sir, I don't have any experience in this field. However, I am punctual, reliable and hard-working. I feel that I am creative and willing to be a team player because I'm positive and enthusiastic, and I guarantee if you hire me that you will have made the right decision." Too many folks defeat themselves before the interview begins because they get caught up in their lack of qualifications or the stiff competition or because the organization seems too big and sophisticated. Be sure to offer a firm but friendly handshake, direct but pleasant eye contact and listen attentively. Greet people with enthusiasm and a smile and find out what appropriate attire for the interview should be. The ability to act confident and to effectively deal with others is going to get you in the door and up the ladder faster than any other quality. That's why it's important to be yourself and relax. Organizations want to hire people, not robots.