Here are **30 communication skills and best practices** for **job applicants during interviews**. These apply to in-person, phone, video, or panel interviews and are designed to help you stand out with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.

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### **1. Answer the question directly first**
Start with the core answer before explaining.  
**Tip:** Say “Yes,” “No,” or the main idea first, then explain why.

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### **2. Use short, clear sentences**
Don’t ramble. Make your point, then stop.  
**Tip:** Aim for 20–40 seconds per answer unless they ask for more.

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### **3. Speak confidently, not aggressively**
Steady voice. Controlled pace. No filler words like “uh,” “um,” or “you know.”

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### **4. Use real examples**
Answer with stories from actual experience.  
**Tip:** Use the **“Problem – Action – Result”** format.

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### **5. Make eye contact**
In person, this means looking at the interviewer. On video, look at the webcam.

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### **6. Watch your tone**
Too flat = bored. Too loud = nervous.  
**Tip:** Vary your tone to match your story and keep attention.

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### **7. Ask clarifying questions if needed**
Don’t fake an answer. Ask: “Just to clarify, are you asking about…”

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### **8. Practice active listening**
Don’t interrupt. Let them finish. Nod or say “I see” to show you’re engaged.

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### **9. Avoid negative speech**
Don’t badmouth past employers or coworkers.  
**Tip:** If asked, say what you learned and how you grew.

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### **10. Match the formality level**
Mirror the energy and language of the interviewer.  
**Tip:** If they’re relaxed, you can relax too. If they’re serious, keep it professional.

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### **11. Prepare common questions**
Don’t improvise basic answers.  
**Tip:** Practice these:
- Tell me about yourself.  
- Why do you want this job?  
- What’s your strength/weakness?  
- Tell me about a challenge you overcame.

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### **12. Know your resume**
Anything you wrote might be asked about.  
**Tip:** Review your dates, responsibilities, and results.

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### **13. Mention numbers where possible**
Back up stories with metrics.  
**Example:** “I handled 40+ calls per shift” or “Reduced errors by 15%.”

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### **14. Speak to the job, not just yourself**
Tailor your answers to show how you can help them.

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### **15. Avoid filler language**
Cut out “like,” “sort of,” “basically.” Speak with purpose.

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### **16. Ask smart questions at the end**
**Examples:**  
- What does success look like in this role?  
- What are the team’s current challenges?

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### **17. Rehearse but don’t memorize**
You want to sound prepared, not robotic.

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### **18. Use their language**
Echo phrases from the job description to signal alignment.

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### **19. Show enthusiasm**
Say you’re excited. Use words like “I’m looking forward to…” or “I enjoy…”

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### **20. Avoid over-apologizing**
Don’t say “Sorry” unless you did something wrong.

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### **21. Know how to pause**
Take a second to think instead of rushing into an unclear answer.

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### **22. Be honest if you don’t know**
Say “I haven’t handled that directly, but I’d approach it by…”  
Honesty + problem-solving = strong answer.

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### **23. Prepare a short career story**
1-2 minutes explaining your background and what led you here.

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### **24. Focus on growth**
Talk about how you’ve improved over time, especially when discussing weaknesses.

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### **25. Know the company**
Research their services, values, and recent news. Mention what you like about them.

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### **26. Practice a confident closing**
**Example:** “Thanks for your time. I’d be excited to contribute to your team.”

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### **27. Watch your posture and gestures**
Sit upright. Don’t fidget. Hands visible or still.

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### **28. Eliminate distractions**
For video: clean background, no noise, stable internet.

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### **29. Use gratitude to close**
Always thank them. It leaves a better impression.

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### **30. Follow up with a thank-you message**
Short email after the interview. Mention 1–2 key points you liked.

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Want a separate list for specific roles like customer service, project management, or entry-level applicants?