[originaltext]M: Are you looking forward to your job interview tomorrow?W: I’m

M: Are you looking forward to your job interview tomorrow?
W: I’m a bit nervous about it. When you interview people, what do you look for?
M: Well, a lot of people think it’s about your qualifications and experience, but actually they aren’t so important in the interview.
W: Really? Why not?
M: Well, your qualifications and experience have already been listed on your CV and in your cover letter. The interviewer might want to know how you think your previous experience relates to the job on offer, but…
W: I see. So what’s the main purpose of the interview?
M: The interviewer wants to see what kind of person you are and decide whether you will fit in with the other employees. The interviewer wants to see if you have the right personality for the job.
W: You also have to give the right answers to their questions.
M: Usually, there are no "right" answers. Obviously, you don’t want to say anything silly, but each question can be answered in different ways. The important thing is to be articulate.
W: Articulate?
M: Yes. Communication skills are valued by almost all employers nowadays. A person who can express themselves clearly and succinctly is considered a real asset.
W: Why’s that? Surely communication skills can’t outweigh qualifications and experience.
M: Good communication skills are vital because if there are breakdowns in communication, it would cost the company time and money. Communication skills might not outweigh qualifications and experience, but as I said before, the interviewer has already seen those on your CV.
W: So, you mean that your CV shows you have the qualifications and experience and gets you into the interview room. After that, other factors take over—particularly communication skills and your personality.
M: Right.
W: I was always told that the way you look is a key factor, too.
M: Well, of course you should always look smart, clean, and fairly formal. Whatever some people say, the way you look does create an impression on others.
W: I’ll be sure to wear my best outfit then!