Interview and Workplace Skills
Interviews and workplace communication determine how employers see you. When you know how to present yourself professionally, ask the right questions, and spot red flags early, you protect your time and choose better jobs.
This guide walks you through interviewing, communication, negotiation, and understanding workplace dynamics.
1. Interview Tips
Interviews are not about being perfect. They are about being prepared, confident, and clear about your value. Small improvements make a big difference in how you present yourself.
Before the Interview
Research the company
Review the job description carefully
Prepare answers for common questions
Practice introducing yourself
Choose professional, clean clothing
Test your technology if the interview is virtual
Know your resume so you can speak about it naturally
During the Interview
Make eye contact
Speak clearly and at a steady pace
Keep answers focused and relevant
Highlight your strengths with examples
Show genuine interest in the role
Stay positive and professional
Ask thoughtful questions at the end
Your goal is to show that you understand the role, can do the job, and would be good to work with.
After the Interview
Send a short thank you email
Reaffirm your interest in the role
Follow up politely if you do not hear back within a week
Small follow ups show professionalism and keep you memorable.
Preparation and confidence create strong interviews, even if you are nervous.
Remember that a job interview goes both ways. You are seeing if the company is a good fit for you, not only if you are a good fit for them. Do not be scared to ask questions, good places to work love questions and you can quickly learn the bad places by asking the right questions about how they are a good fit for you. Think about your skills, needs, likes, dislikes and where you see yourself in the company in the future.
2. Phone, Virtual, In Person Interview Differences
Each interview type requires a slightly different approach. Adjusting your style for the format helps you appear confident, prepared, and professional.
Phone Interview
Speak slowly and clearly
Smile while talking, it changes your tone
Sit upright to sound more energized
Have notes or bullet points in front of you
Stay in a quiet space with no distractions
Listen carefully and do not interrupt
End by thanking them for their time
Phone interviews are usually screening calls, so clarity matters more than anything.
Personally, I like to jump/bounce a bit before a phone interview/ phone call to sound active and energized.
Virtual Interview
Check your background to keep it clean and simple
Check lighting to make sure your face is visible
Test your microphone before the call
Look at the camera, not the screen, when speaking
Dress professionally from head to toe
Keep your phone on silent
Close extra tabs to avoid distraction
Make sure your internet is stable
Virtual interviews show your professionalism and attention to detail.
In Person Interview
Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early
Bring multiple copies of your resume
Maintain good posture
Give a polite greeting and handshake if appropriate
Be aware of body language
Make eye contact
Stay calm and confident
Thank them before leaving
In person interviews let employers see your presence, energy, and professionalism in real time.
Understanding the differences helps you adapt and perform well in all interview formats.
3. Questions to Ask Employers
Asking the right questions shows that you are prepared, confident, and serious about understanding the role. It also helps you figure out whether the job is a good fit for you.
Questions About the Role
What does a typical day look like
What are the biggest challenges in this role
How is performance measured
What tools or software does the team use
What does success look like in the first ninety days
Questions About the Team
Who will I be working with
How big is the team
What is the management style
How does the team communicate
How often does the team meet
Questions About Growth
Are there opportunities for advancement
How do you support employee development
Are there training programs available
How does the company approach internal promotions
Questions About Expectations
Is this a new position or a replacement
What prompted the need for this role
How quickly are you looking to fill the position
What qualities help someone succeed here
Asking smart questions helps you understand the company, clarify expectations, and decide whether the environment matches your goals. Employers notice when you ask thoughtful questions.
4. Professional Email Etiquette
Professional emails show maturity, clarity, and respect. They help you make a good impression whether you are speaking to employers, coworkers, or clients.
Structure of a Good Email
Clear subject line
Polite greeting
Short, direct message
Clear question or request
Professional closing
Example
Subject: Interview Follow Up
Hello, thank you again for your time today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and your team. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.
Best, your name
Tips for Strong Email Etiquette
Avoid slang
Use proper grammar and punctuation
Keep messages short and easy to read
Respond within twenty four to forty eight hours
Use a professional email address
Read your email before sending
Avoid sending long paragraphs
Use a calm and respectful tone
Include attachments only when needed
Professional communication builds trust fast and makes you look reliable and prepared.
5. LinkedIn Basics
LinkedIn helps you build your professional brand, expand your network, and find better job opportunities. Think of it as your digital resume plus your digital reputation.
How to Start
Create a clean, professional profile photo
Write a clear headline that explains what you do
Add a simple summary that highlights your strengths
List your work experience with short bullet points
Add relevant skills that match your industry
Customize your LinkedIn URL for a cleaner link
Tips to Strengthen Your Profile
Connect with coworkers, managers, classmates, and recruiters
Follow companies you are interested in
Post simple value based content once in a while
Engage with posts in your field
Comment professionally and add insight
Keep your profile updated with new skills or certifications
Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry
Why LinkedIn Matters
Recruiters search for candidates by skills and job titles
Employers check LinkedIn to verify professionalism
A strong LinkedIn increases your chances of interviews
It helps you discover opportunities that never get posted publicly
Your profile grows over time, creating long term career value
LinkedIn is your digital resume, your networking tool, and one of the best platforms for career growth.
6. How to Negotiate Pay
Negotiation is normal and expected. Most employers build flexibility into their budget, so asking for more is part of the process. When you negotiate correctly, you increase your income not just for today but for every year you stay with the company.
When to Negotiate
After receiving a formal offer
Before signing anything
When you understand the market value for your role
When you have clear evidence of your skills and experience
Never negotiate before an offer. The offer is your leverage.
How to Negotiate
Thank them for the offer
Ask if the salary is flexible
State your expected range clearly
Share why you are worth the number
Stay polite, calm, and confident
Example Script
Thank you so much for the offer. I am excited about the role. Based on my experience and my research on market rates, I was expecting something closer to [your number]. Is there any flexibility in the budget
Short, respectful, clear.
Tips
Know your worth
Do not accept the first offer automatically
Use a salary range instead of one number
Be confident but respectful
Let the silence work for you after asking
Consider benefits, bonuses, PTO, or remote flexibility if salary cannot move
Negotiation is not confrontation. It is a normal part of hiring.
A strong negotiation can increase your pay for the entire time you work there, which makes even a small raise extremely valuable long term.
My favorite question is always something along the lines of: What does your budget look like for this role?
7. Green, Yellow, Red Flags in Managers
The manager you work under can make a good job feel great or a decent job feel unbearable. Paying attention to their behavior early helps you protect your peace and career.
Green Flags in Managers
These are signs of a healthy, supportive leader.
Communicates clearly
Provides guidance and expectations
Listens to feedback
Respects boundaries and time off
Encourages growth and learning
Gives constructive feedback, not insults
Takes responsibility when things go wrong
Recognizes effort and good work
Managers with strong green flags usually create safe, stable, and productive environments.
Yellow Flags in Managers
These are warning signs. Not always dealbreakers, but worth watching closely.
Vague instructions
Unclear expectations
Inconsistent behavior or mood
Slow or scattered communication
Micromanaging tendencies
Plays favorites
Cancels check ins or one to ones often
Avoids giving real feedback
Proceed with caution and keep observing. Yellow flags can improve or slide into red over time.
Red Flags in Managers
These are serious concerns and often lead to burnout, stress, and high turnover.
Raises voice or gets aggressive
Makes disrespectful or rude comments
Crosses boundaries
Uses fear or intimidation to control people
Blames employees for everything
Never takes accountability
High turnover on the team
Speaks negatively about employees behind their backs
Avoids questions or refuses transparency
Ignores policies or fairness
If a manager shows multiple red flags, think carefully before accepting the job or staying long term. A bad manager can affect your mental health, confidence, and career growth.
Your Next Step in Interview Skills
Interviews and workplace communication shape your career path. When you know what to say, how to present yourself, and what to look for, you make better choices and protect your peace.
Next, explore
Job search strategies
Career planning
Professional development tools
Your Resource Hub will help you move confidently in every step of your professional journey.