Communication and interpersonal skills are quite distinct modes of interacting with others. Graduates should take time to understand the difference in order to apply both as interview skills.

Communication skills are the more straightforward of the two. They refer to how we use language to interact with others. This includes reading, writing, listening and speaking – all modes of sharing information and meaning.

Interpersonal skills are harder to pin down but are just as powerful. These are best described as ways in which you build relationships with others, as opposed to simply delivering a message.

Social scientists refer to two types of interpersonal skills – those that affect social awareness, which includes invoking empathy in others, and understanding another’s thoughts; and those that affect social facility, which is more about how we communicate at a non-verbal level to influence or smooth people and situations.

Straightforward communication skills come in useful in everyday dealings, such as answering phones, presenting to clients, participating in meetings and preparing reports.

Interpersonal skills are best employed in situations where conflict may arise through misunderstandings or disagreements. Often such situations can’t be ‘fixed’ with a simple directive. Instead it may take you placing yourself in another’s position to understand their point of view and derive a tailored solution.

At other times you may have to apply interview skills with individuals intent on playing power games. Again, basic language will likely only frustrate your position, and you may need to take time to employ non-verbal communication tactics – which are far less threatening than verbal communication – to work yourself into a more conciliatory position.