In today’s highly competitive job market, possessing just an MBA degree will not help you make the cut. While a professional qualification speaks volumes about your core competencies and skills, a few other must-haves are mandatory to crack a job interview and land that near perfect opportunity. Companies today look for a complete package in potential jobseekers and you need to go that extra mile and outperform the rest.
Communication skills
This is the era of the 140-character tweets and crisp, to-the-point messages. The first step to ace your interview is to polish your communication skills, both written and verbal. Having strong communication skills will not only help you stand apart from the crowd, but will also help build a strong professional network, which is fundamental to succeed in today’s fast-paced world of business.
Presentation skills
The ability to efficiently present a case and offer viable solutions in a convincing and professional manner is critical in the corporate world. This is another favourite and one of the most sought after skill. Companies are more interested in knowing how skilfully and effectively you present your knowledge in your chosen field.
Leadership skills
Your MBA degree may have helped you attain a certain domain expertise but besides this, companies today seek candidates who have what it takes to become a great leader. Leadership is not a skill that everyone can master easily, but you can work on building your inherent leadership qualities by taking initiative and responsibility. Differentiate yourself from others by highlighting your team management skills and emphasising on past projects spearheaded by you at your B-school.
Analytical thinking
Organizations are constantly seeking competent employees with problem solving skills and those who can think on their feet. While your MBA course may have trained you to think analytically, it’s essential to build on these capabilities and flaunt them when you present yourself in the job market.
People skills
It’s a no-brainer that good interpersonal skills can open the doors. People skills reflect that you’re sociable and can work harmoniously with others, so it’s advisable to commence your interview with a firm handshake and eye contact with the interviewer. Introduce yourself confidently and converse smartly and you are most likely to walk out the interview with an appointment letter.
Innovation
Exhibit your lateral thinking skills at the interview will surely impress your interviewer. Thinking out of the box is key to business success and to maintain competitive corporate edge. Besides your qualifications and core domain expertise, companies watch out for fresh and innovative ideas that you can bring to the table.
Listening skills
Your interview is not only about projecting yourself as the most eligible candidate; it is also about showcasing how good a listener you are. Ensure you understand the question properly before you answer; ask for an explanation if you feel the need to, instead of answering something vague. Avoid talking incessantly and think twice before you speak.
Initiative and drive
This is another critical skill that interviewers look for in candidates. Companies seek individuals who are independent and bold and can take initiative on their own, without being pushed to complete a task. This is a skill that can take you a long way.
Team player
Interviewers are most likely to test your ability to be a team player through questions related to real-life scenarios and through your experience of having worked in a team, to evaluate your team-playing potential. Quote real-life instances and situations to emphasise your collaboration and coordination skills. Some interviewers give a lot of importance to the extra-curricular skills of the interviewee, such as excellence in sports, participation in student organisations-related activities, community assistance roles with NGOs, etc. – to judge the individual’s ability to work in teams and inspire innovative ideas. If you have experience in any of these areas, make sure you highlight this in the interview.
Planning skills
Planning a task requires a lot of patience and a calm disposition, so make sure you stay calm and collected and come across as a person who can sustain even in high pressure situations. Assess the given situation logically and describe practical approaches to develop appropriate plans and strategies, considering the present and future requirements.
Interviewers are impressed not with how much you know, but with how well you can convince the person sitting on the opposite side to think and accept your point of view. By demonstrating the right qualities and by marketing yourself efficiently, you can certainly crack that elusive interview and land your first big career break. So get going and hone your skills.