Today’s unemployment rate is unlike any that its applicants have seen in years, if ever. As such, the search for a job is made more difficult by fewer opportunities and more job seekers. While effective job interview skills have always been one of the most critical parts of the hiring process, today it is even more crucial given increased competition for positions.

As the employment climate has changed, to some extent so has the strategic recruitment criteria.

Companies have more qualified applicants to choose from and can demand the highest levels of education, experience and personalities from the people they choose to fill their vacancies. For example, insistence on a graduate degree is becoming the accepted norm. The importance of managing job interview questions is also extremely important. A candidate must be able to communicate their qualifications and achievements without arrogance. One of the key interview skills is listenening carefully to the interviewer before responding.  This will convey a sense of thoughtfulness on the part of the candidate. At the end of the discussion there will be the opportunity to ask questions.

Depending on his or her style this may occur throughout the interview or be reserved toward the end. Regardless of the timing, the applicant should be sure when it is appropriate to do so. Questions from the candidate should be on topic and in the context that the interviewer has set.

Whether it is the first or the third interview a reserved confidence should be conveyed with both the questions and the answers. As the hiring process continues, the nature of the candidate’s questions will naturally become more specific in terms of compensation, benefits, company policies and work environment. Even if the candidate is a finalist, care should be taken not to take anything for granted.

To summarize, strong interview skills are more crucial today than ever before. The hiring decision may well come down to personality and demeanor….etiquette is vitally important.