Communication Skills: The set of skills that enables a person to convey information so that it is received and understood.

In terms of evaluation it is the Intern consistently demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, subordinates, and supervisors in a professional manner. She/he demonstrates assertiveness, active listening skills, and has the ability to communicate appropriately in written and verbal form consistent with the company culture in which he/she is serving. According to employers responding to the Job Outlook 2008 survey, conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the "perfect" candidate for the job is a topnotch communicator and a hard worker. But thats not all employers look for when sizing up new college graduates as potential employees. "Each year, when we ask employers to rate the importance of a variety of skills and abilities, communication comes out on top," said Marilyn Mackes. "At the same time, however, employers view many other attributes as critical. This year, for example, employers cite the ability to work in a team, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and initiative as among their most preferred qualities. Theyre looking for the well-rounded candidate who can work well with others and function effectively in the workplace." Interestingly, when asked which key skill was most lacking in new college graduate candidates, employers also named communication skills. "Many employers pointed to a lack of writing skills on the part of candidates, and others reported that new college

graduates lack the ability to communicate effectively in face-toface situations -- including the job interview," said Mackes. Despite the extensive criteria by which employers judge candidates, NACEs survey shows a positive job market for the Class of 2008, with employers expecting to hire 16 percent more new college graduates in 2007-08 than they did in 2006-07. "Overall, the job market looks good, but students still must work to market themselves effectively to employers and demonstrate that they have what employers want," said Mackes. She encourages college students to turn to their campus career centers for resume and interview workshops. "Given the importance employers place on good communication and other key abilities, its well worth the students time to participate."

One of the areas that an employer is looking at on the job interview is your communication skills. Many people will go into a job interview and say to the employer, I have excellent communication skills. But, if your interview suggests otherwise, then youre just blowing hot air. The interview gives you an opportunity to show off your communication skills. Communicating is more than just talking someone to death or listening to yourself talk. Communicating is a two part process. In an interview situation, you have to use active listening. Active listening basically means paying attention to what the other person is saying. Many people practice lazy listening. This is

where you are not paying attention to the person speaking and youre busy thinking about other things or what youre going to say. When the interviewer asks you a question, you can start off your answer by restating the question. This gives you extra time to form your answer. For example, the interviewer asks, How would your former employer describe you? Your answer would start off as, My former employer would describe me as When answering a question, keep your answers short and to the point. If youre telling a story, keep it simple. The interviewer doesnt need to know the life history of the people in the story. Dont use slang or a bunch of ums and uhs. Remember, you are trying to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have excellent communication skills. When you use ums and uhs throughout your answers, it signals to the interviewer that you arent sure of your answers or you dont have excellent communication skills. Practice your answers before the interview. You cant know every question that he or she will ask you, but with practice, youll be more prepared than most people.

Inter view Skills

First thing, you need Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Writing Resume/Knowing Company About The

Resume Writing is considered to be a daunting task by many but it is relatively very easier. The resume writing can be very smooth sailing for you if you have considerable knowledge about resume writing and purpose of writing a resume. The number one purpose of resume is to win you an interview call. If you get a call then it means your resume works else it is not an effective one. A resume can be said to be an advertisement where an applicant is selling himself as a product to the customer (Recruiter). A resume focuses on all your plus points with perspective of theemployer and makes an assertion that This is best product available in the market. A resume presents you in the best light and convinces a recruiter. Once you are preparing a resume, please concentrate on the nature of job you are applying for and make a resume suitable for that vacancy. Research through internet and your contacts if the

company is looking for any specific qualities. If so then make the use of that keyword throughout your resume. When you have defined a purpose of the resume the next things are generally same in all the type of resumes. Include all the details of your previous experience, relevant skills, related accomplishments, specialized training etc. The other tips for preparing a near perfect resume are:

Keep your resume short: 1-2 page, if possible. Try to use bullets and numberings wherever possible and keep your resume neat and tidy. Never try to bluff too much in your resume. A recruiter is vastly experienced to find any such goof ups. So be true in mentioning your skills and experience. Try to be very concise. Always use verbs (action words, eg: developed, handled, organized, created, etc). Your resume should be easy to read and at the same time it should be eye catching and not too much flashy. If you are falling short of the ideas then the best option is to refer the internet. There you can find the latest resume samples, layout and structure. You can also refer to various books available in the market for the same. You can have many examples to refer for. Once you have finished writing a resume, assess yourself first and then ask a critique to cross check your resume. If your resume is effective then you can mail it to the employers and sit back to get the best offer.

Depending on the position you are applying for, you might need to include cover letters. They are used to state how you came to know about the job vacancy, reasons you are interested in the job and why you fit for the said position.

Format of Resume

City, State, Zip Phone (Cell/Home) Email Address Objective (optional) What do you want to do? If you include this section it should be a sentence or two about your employment goals. A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition. Career Highlights / Qualifications (optional) A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job.

Experience This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

Company #1 City, State Dates Worked Job Title Responsibilities / Achievements Responsibilities / Achievements Company #2 City, State Dates Worked Job Title Responsibilities / Achievements Responsibilities / Achievements Education In the education section of your resume, list the colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. College, Degree Awards, Honors Skills Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.

Format of CV

Telephone Cell Phone Email Personal Information Date of Birth Place of Birth Citizenship Visa Status Gender Optional Personal Information Marital Status Spouse's Name Children Employment History List in chronological order, include position details and dates Work History Academic Positions Research and Training Education Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification High School University Graduate School Post-Doctoral Training Professional Qualifications Certifications and Accreditations Computer Skills

Awards Publications Books Professional Memberships Interests

Develop a Style That Fits With The Recruiter

Cultivating a good communication style helps to make a strong first impression. And taking a cue from the recruiter as to what his style is will help in the interview. First impressions do matter, especially on job interviews. And one of the best ways to make a good first impression when interviewing for a job is to be able to effectively communicate with the recruiter. This means developing a communication style that fits with the recruiters communication style. There are a variety of communication style

indicators such as Myers-Briggs and the Birkman Method that can help teams work together better by

understanding their communication dynamics. However, since job seekers dont have the luxury of being able to participate in these types of tools prior to every interview, there are some basic skills that candidates can develop to help them perform better in a job interview. The first step is to understand and develop good basic interpersonal communication skills. This means

learning how to deliver and receive messages in a way that maximizes understanding.

Developing Good Interpersonal Communication

Use Simple Language This involves speaking in clear simple sentences that are free of jargon. Practice Active Listening: This means being engaged and alert. Job seekers can ensure they have understood the message accurately by paraphrasing what the interviewer has said.

Ask for Feedback

This involves asking for confirmation. The job seeker can confirm that the interviewer understands what he has said by finishing with a question such as, Does that make sense? But having good interpersonal communication skills is only part of the story. To be able to make a connection with the recruiter job seekers need to also understand the recruiters communication style within a job interview setting and adjust accordingly. This doesnt mean to mimic the recruiter, but rather to follow; to allow the recruiter to set the tone and the pace of the interview and then to react and behave in the same manner.

Four Tips To Be Consider When Interviewing

Business as Usual In this case the recruiter assumes a formal, businesslike demeanor. It would probably be a wrong move to tell jokes or clever anecdotes to try and lighten the mood. Instead be as succinct and businesslike as they are without being rude.

Friendly, Yet Professional If a recruiter is personable and friendly, there is more opportunity to engage in small talk. Look at the items around his or her office as they may offer a clue as to their interests. Finding a commonality can bring people together.

Give Direct Responses Whichever style the recruiter demonstrates, it is important to answer questions directly. Wandering off topic or losing track of thoughts will send the recruiter the wrong message.

Non-verbal Communication Be aware of the message body language sends. Slouching or squirming, unnecessary movements such as bouncing legs or playing with hair is distracting and indicates a person is nervous. It wont make a favorable first impression. People tend to be attracted to others like themselves, so developing a communication and interview style that fits well with the recruiter will give a job seeker an advantage and enhance their chance of making a favorable first impression.

Interview Behavior: Communication Skills for Job

We notice it in politics and in our lives in general: the art of conversation - along with good manners and other niceties that define a civilized way of life - is in a state of disrepair. Certainly in the job-related sphere, the way we converse leaves a lot to be desired. What's wrong? We're not really conversing. The dictionary defines "conversation" as an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions or ideas. Such an exchange presupposes that both parties have something to say (stream-ofconsciousness ramblings don't count), and that each pays attention to the other. Alternating monologues don't qualify. A good conversation requires thinking, listening, analyzing and caring about what you and your partner are discussing. Now, I don't think every ordinary "I'll-have-a-Coke" exchange should be blown up into a Broadway drama, but when we're talking about something as important as a job, our conversations should be on a higher and more complex plane than when we communicate with an automated phone. What brings this to mind are two recent job interview situations? In the first, an editor was interviewing a candidate for a senior job. The candidate came for the interview, sat down, and

then spoke virtually non-stop for 20 minutes about his background, the job he recently lost and his opinions of the magazine. He asked no questions and, in a real sense, did not engage the editor in conversation. The editor, quite naturally, was shocked. He thought the candidate either was extremely ill at ease, socially inept or just so traumatized by the loss of his job that he was falling apart. The candidate, in short, had either forgotten or was incapable of engaging in a real exchange with the editor. Had he listened, asked questions, and shown interest in what the editor said (or tried to say), he would have been seriously considered for the job. In other job situations, the trick is to get beyond or to bypass the formalities of ads, resumes and applications - all of which are important to get you in the door - in order to engage in a real conversation with someone who can hire you. A reader recently wrote that she was discouraged. She had moved to a small California town a few months earlier and couldn't find a job. She hadn't worked for several years while raising her now grown child, and had held several part-time jobs before that. She was so downhearted, she admitted she probably appeared sullen or unenthusiastic in whatever limited dialogue she had had with potential employers. I told her to forget answering ads and to find nearby businesses where she wanted to work, such as a local packaging and mailing shop. Her job was to engage the owner or manager in a conversation. Compliment him or her on the store and then gradually reveal that she recently moved to the area, that she would like a job near home, and that she is free to work any hours

necessary at any reasonable wage. Does the owner need someone like that or know of another business that does?

Some Communication Skills Interview Questions

Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you had to be very careful in communicating delicate information. What was the possible risk involved and how did you go about it? Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should appear to understand the necessity of confidentiality, to have the ability to disclose delicate/sensitive information carefully, and with utmost sensitivity.

Interview Question: Describe a time when you took extra effort to make sure the person with whom you were communicating with had really understood your point. How did you do this? Interview Answer Guide: The candidate's answer should show that they understand why clarification is an important part of communication.

Interview Question: What steps do you take to establish a rapport with others? Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should have the ability to see things from another person's perspective. How do they accomplish this? Does the candidate appear to be able to empathize with others?

Interview Question: Give me an example when you had to present complex information in a simplified manner in order to explain it to someone. Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should be able to explain how they break up complex information to help co-workers easily understand the information.

Interview Question: Give me an example when you had to present complex information in a simplified manner in order to explain it to someone. Interview Answer Guide: Does the candidate appear to have good listening skills? Can they listen close enough to get the correct information?

Interview Question: How do you explain a complex technical issue to someone who has less technical knowledge than you? Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should be able to express his/her knowledge in a clear, simple manner; answer should show

that they have the ability to explain technical matters to nontechnical people.

Interview Question: Give me an example of a time when you had to put your point across in a meeting to which most of the people were reluctant to hear. Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should show the ability to convince others by making valid points; have a strong character; is not afraid to speak his/her mind to defend the interest of the company and/or his/her own interests.

The Importance Of Effective Communication skills In A Job Interview

The importance of effective communication and writing skills are very important in our daily lives. "People will judge us by how well we speak, according to my business communication teacher. She than proceeded to tell her class, "that mother is seriously jeopardizing her daughter's future by teaching her incorrect grammar. She will never be able to become gainfully employed unless she learns how to use correct grammar." People also judge you by how well you write. Effective business communications need to use what is commonly called the four C's. The three most important ones are: Clear, clean, and concise. In order to be considered clear, a business letter needs to be easily understood by it's recipient. If her daughter never learned correct grammar, she would be unable to simply fill out a resume, and become gainfully employable. He cover letter would have to brief, and concise. It would have to avoid excessive words, and slang. During her job interview, she would have to be able to use correct English. If she used poor conversational English, she would

never be contacted by her prospective employer. Even in Lower paying job classifications such as working in a fast food restaurant, or as a courtesy clerk in store correct grammar is considered important. Many people find bad grammar offensive to them. They classify the person as being, "poorly educated." However, there is hope for people who have poor communication skills: They can learn how to communicate effectively by visiting web-sites such as Helium. They can further their education by enrolling in adult basic education classes. They can visit their local library, and check-out reference and research material and become better informed citizens. They can practice oral communication skills, by reading aloud to their children, and grand children. They can assist older children with their home-work by encouraging them to read their homework assignments to them. Concerned parents can help edit their child's work; however, doing their homework for them now will affect the quality of their lives in adulthood. In this Internet age, computerized skills are necessary to help older and younger people live more happy and productive lives. As the newsletter director for our Clubhouse I unfortunately am severely handicapped by poor computerized skills. However, I have chosen to follow the advice of a wise and respected man,"Lawerence Welk," he was a very successful entertainer and human being because he followed the golden rule, "always hire people more talented than yourself."

The man that I have appointed as my assistant studied Journalism in High school, and he has excellent computer skills. The result is we have a high quality newsletter. Our Clubhouse manager uses our newsletter in the reports he files to his superior. However, I need to follow my own advice, and become more computer literate.

Communication skills -- Don't overlook them

Success in the Computer field is not just a matter of having solid programming or analysis skills, but also requires good communication skills. Many hopeful programmers downplay the importance of communication skills, but I can assure you that even if you are not the world's greatest programmer, if you foster and hone your communication skills, both verbal and written, there's a good job waiting for you somewhere.

As an example, let me talk about 'Bob'. I was working for an organization that was just beginning to realize the importance of the end user in the Systems Development process. Unfortunately, we had just developed several far-from-stellar applications where we had neglected that important piece of the puzzle and we badly

needed to turn our department's reputation around. What we really needed was someone who could sit down with a user, determine and gather his or her requirements, and do so in a nonthreatening manner. At the time, we had an opening for a programmer, and we had a large number of applicants. A group of us eventually interviewed Bob, and although his resume included work with C and UNIX, it was obvious during the interview that Bob's strengths were not in those areas. However, something that came through very clearly in the interview was that Bob had strong communications skills. Whenever Bob was asked a question, his eyes were attentive and focused on the questioner and he answered each and every question thoughtfully and completely. At times, Bob would repeat the question before answering, just to clarify that he was answering the question he had been asked. And he frequently sought the opportunity to pose questions of us. We had allocated about a half- hour for Bob's interview and we wound up talking to him for over an hour.

A couple of days after the interview, we received a letter from Bob thanking us for the opportunity to interview with the company. Despite the fact that Bob had not taken any written notes during the interview, he amazed us by remembering minute details of the hour-long interview (including everyone's name). Our decision to hire Bob was not a unanimous one. Other candidates possessed stronger programming skills, but in the end

what got Bob the job was his ability to communicate better than the oter candidates.

Bob's strengths and weaknesses became very obvious in the first few weeks of his employment. His C and UNIX skills were weak but he did become better in those areas. But something he never needed help with was evident from the first time he sat down with an end user. Bob was able to speak with every member of our end user community as if the two of them had been great friends their entire lives.

Bob wound up doing very little programming, he spent most of his time performing analysis, determining user requirements, and in end user training and presentations to management.

Shortly after we hired Bob, I asked him what his secret was. Were those great communication skills something he had been born with? Bob's answer didn't surprise me. He told me that he realized very quickly in his career that if he were going to make it in IT, he would need to concentrate on his communication skills. He told me he worked each and every day on this by making eye contact, listening, really listening, to people, concentrating on what others said, clarifying their statements or questions, and in thoughtful answers and replies. And he told me he practiced writing achdayeach day as well.

Four years later, those great communication skills were rewarded when Bob was promoted to Vice President of IT for our company. You need look no further than Bob for proof of the importance of good communication skills in your IT career.

ASSIGNMENT ON

NEED OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN AN EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW

Submitted To: Mrs. Randeep Kaur

Submitted By : Anshaj Chadha

B.E. Mechanical Engg. First Semester Roll No. C08102

INDEX

1. Communication Skills 2. Interview Skills

3.

Developing Style That Fits With The Recruiter

4. Developing Good Interpersonal Skills 5. Four Tips To Be Considered When Interviewing 6. Interview Behavior: Communication Skills For Job 7. Some Communication SkillsInterview Questions 8. The Importance Of Effective Communication Skills In A Job Interview 9. Communication SkillsDont Overlook Them

Bibliography

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/a/cvformat.htm http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/resumeformat.h tm hptt://humanresources.about.com/od/interpersonalcommunication/ a/com_questions.htm hptt://www.top-resume-tips.com www.communicationskillworld.com www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp http://job-interviewskills.suite101.com/ article.cfm/how_to_enhance_interviewskills

Articles by Deborah S. Hildebrand and Roxanne Dubarry