How to Be More Likeable When Interviewing
Hiring decisions are made, in large part, based upon the likeability of the candidate.
A person could possess all the necessary skills and required experience to effectively succeed in the job but if the hiring manager, associates and human resources professionals don’t particular care for him, an offer may not be extended.
I know, this doesn’t comport with our sense of fairness concerning how things should work. You would like to believe that a person should get the job primarily based upon their merits and expertise. Well, yes and no. Think about yourself, would you rather hire a person who you genuinely like but needs some help easing into the role or a person you don’t particularly care for but possess all the required skills?
I know you know the real answer, not the politically correct one.
So, the next question you may have is, “What should I do if I have a lousy personality and no one seems to like me?” No problem. Don’t despair though because most people, including myself, are not terribly likeable.
Now, I’m an awesome recruiter but at times not the most likeable recruiter. Similar to most professionals, I desire to be viewed in light of my work and successful results. Unfortunately, I recognize that I lose business to more schmoozey recruiters while I stubbornly maintain that my hard work, ethics, honesty and recruiting success should win assignments.
Gleaned from my own personal history, the study of likeable people that I have interviewed over the years and watching and following the career arc of successful professionals, I have established a “cheat sheet” to assist you in becoming more likeable during the interview process and therefore, more hireable (you may even want to do this in real life and perhaps make some friends and have a life).
· Be genuinely interested in other people – not phony or pretend interested but really interested.
· Listen to what the interviewer says. Yes, really listen. No zoning out or distractedly waiting for them to shut up so you could speak.
· Focus on the other person as if they are the only person in the room. No wondering eyes at the hot girl in the next office, or what is on someone else’s computer screen, and definitely no peeking at your phone. Pay attention to the person!
· Make eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t be creepy about it though with extra-long eye contact, but reasonable, ‘you are listening’ eye contact.
· Nod while they talk. It shows that you are paying attention.
· Repeat back things they say when giving your answer. Not verbatim like a robot but paraphrase to show that you actually listened and comprehend what they said.
· Ask questions – real questions that show you are interested.
· Think of your body language. You want to convey warmth, openness, and friendliness. Don’t sit staring psychotically at the interviewer as if you are a cop interrogating a witness. Do not cross your arms over your chest, tap the table, fidget, squirm, roll your eyes, or deeply sigh as they drone on.
· Don’t interrupt even if they are boring. Let them babble on while maintaining interest, nodding your head and smiling.
· Remember to smile and laugh. Consider teeth whitening if you have yellow teeth. Also, remember to brush, use mouth wash or pop some breath mints if you have bad breath.
· Make sure you are well- polished – no dandruff, ill-fitting suits, scuffed shoes.
· Use their name in the conversation. It gets their attention and they will be happy that you remembered their name. Don’t overuse it or it becomes obvious.
· Mirror their actions. That means if you are speaking with someone who talks slowly don’t talk a mile a minute.
· Touch them lightly on the hand or shoulder if the moment permits.
· Don’t be weird about the touching.
· Always remain positive. For example, don’t refer to your current manager as “that stupid jerk”.
· Be deferential. No story topping or one upsmanship.
Yes, I understand that I am being lighthearted, however the topic is very important.
Some people are naturally gifted in the art of likeability. Others are obvious pretenders that are easily spotted and dismissed.
The afore-referenced list are skills you can readily teach yourself.
If you genuinely do care about other people, you eventually will master these techniques. In fact, you will start enjoying the interactions both during the interview process and while implementing them in your daily life.
The positive reinforcement will give you more confidence and you will get even better.
Hey, are you even listening?