Communication skills go a long way in helping you crack your interview. Even though most jobs don’t require smooth talking skills, getting through the interview often does. You don’t have to answer every interview question perfectly, but you can improve your interview skills. Here are a few interview skills that will help you.

1. Do your background research.

At times your interviewer may be more keen on getting information about your past or present organization. So dig deep before you go for the interview. Your professional expertise is important but at times your background is also a matter of importance. Research yourself and your background.

2. Be soft to everyone.

Do not be rude to the receptionist or cut someone off in the parking lot, or yell at the office boy. These things happen, and they can ruin your chances. Good organizations will never  hire the person who is rude to the receptionist or barista.

3.Have a positive Body Language

They say that 93% of your communication happens through your body language so keep it positive and confident at all times . For example lean in or sit up straight to show you’re interested. Keep eye contact so you look honest, but don’t  stare, because then you look aggressive. Don’t nod too much. Yes, you want to show agreement, but too many nods and you start to look plastic and fake.

4. Keep your  language Clean.

Do not under any circumstances use foul words in an interview. If the interviewer is using foul words , you can feel  tempted to do so but be calm and control your language. You need to use words that express your actual feelings and ideas.

5. Customize and read your  resume.

Do not get off guard  when the hiring manager asks you  a specific question about an accomplishment on your resume.  Don’t make that mistake. Refresh your memory, especially old jobs. And customize your resume as per requirements of the current job.

6. Prepare for standard questions.

Most interviews will have routine questions. Lots of interviewers are going to ask you to “tell me about a time when …” followed by something appropriate for your area and this particular job. You should have great answers prepared for that.

7.Dress Up Professionally.

Yes, people judge you by what you’re wearing. Dress up neatly and professionally for your interview. Have a clear face and a neat haircut. The brand you wear is not important but how you wear it is important. Do not give an interview in in-formals.

8. Prepare your questions.

Don’t ask questions that could be answered by looking at the company website. Do ask questions about the challenges of the position, what success looks like, and how this position fits in with the organization’s goals. Remember, you want to look like you’re really interested in succeeding in this position, and you need this information to do so.

9. Never badmouth your former employer.

You’re most likely going to be asked why you’re looking to leave your current job (or why you left your last job if you’re unemployed). Don’t lie, but don’t be super negative either. “My boss is very bad. He is a jerk,, plays favorites, and speaks foul.” These things may all be true, but you don’t come out looking good. Figure out how to explain why you’re leaving or  why you got fired, what you learned from it, and how this all means this new job is a great fit.

10.Thank the Recruiter before you leave.

Its always nice to thank the interviewer for the opportunity to be interviewed. Last few words of appreciation go a  along way in building your positive image. Every interview is a learning opportunity.