People hire people they like, right? Truth be told, I believe that most people I meet will like me. And, yes, I’ve had lots of great job interviews and great jobs. My mindset is working for me.
Do you believe people will like you?
Seriously, likeability is often deciding factor in job interviews. Yes, people that know how to connect and build rapport are often chosen over those with awesome resumes and experience. People (like me) who think everyone likes them often have a softer, more open demeanor than people who fear that they are not likeable (even if they are a bit deluded). Qualities that win the day include trustworthiness, vitality, curiosity and enthusiasm. We want to work with people who connect with us, people who are conversational and friendly, people who like people …
You probably know your tendency in an interview. Maybe you try too hard to be likeable. Perhaps you are too conversational and casual; because you’re right to think that there needs to be balance between friendly and serious. After all, you are talking about doing a job well and not solely getting along with your co-workers and supervisor.
Maybe you are too “flat”, too smart or too technical. You state the facts and don’t bring your expertise to life. You try to be perfect and have the right answers. You have a bit of Hillary Clinton’s tendency to over-smart instead of humanizing.
Taking a playful approach to job interview prep can be a difference for all of us. Techniques like improv, working with body language, and “going off script” can help with more nimble, engaging interview responses. And, taking the attitude that you’re likeable can help too. Make the interviewer(s) your friend and notice how that affects your posture and your energy.
You can also practice among friends at the Interview Club. The September 8 Interview Club is called “Get out of your head: convey your personality and credibility”. The session will help you find out your tendencies and make adjustments that help you connect and convey your expertise. We’re going to do a lot of improv where you’ll get the chance to answer questions on the spot. We’ll work with body language. And we’ll give you the chance to find out if how your answers land. Are they authentic? Interesting? Stiff? Staged?
If there are interview questions you want to work on, send them to lparadise.coach@gmail.com
RSVP to lparadise.coach@gmail.com
THE DETAILS:
Thursday September 8
7-9 pm
Warehouse 416
416 26th Street
Oakland 94610
$20 Drop-in fee
The Interview Club is offered by career/life coach Laura Paradise. Laura is committed to helping lots of people get job offers. The Interview Club reflects Laura’s values of building community, providing supportive feedback and making services affordable and accessible. The Interview Club is working: one in three participants have received offers they were after. Laura also offers individual coaching services. To learn more go to lauraparadise.coaching.com
Join us or write for a copy of the handout!