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How To Build Personal Chemistry And
Ace The Interview
INSIGHT by Candace
Davies
Interested in turning interviews into job offers? Great, let me share
some tips to build rapport with the interviewer and others within the
company. First of all, no two interviews are the same, so you can't plan
exactly how the interview will go, but it is important to have a strategy.
It is imperative that you face the interview as a selling meeting; meaning
building personal chemistry and establishing an open dialogue for free
information exchange. Success is not necessarily what you say, but how
you say it.
Research the Company
If you do your homework before the interview you have a strong advantage
over the others; many candidates will fail to do this. Think about it
this way, aren't you impressed when someone is interested in you and knows
some of the highlights in your career. It surprises you, right?
Arranging Interviews via the Phone
You will find that most interviews are arranged by a phone conversation,
so start to build chemistry right there. Ensure your tone shows you are
confident, enthusiastic, and friendly; be sure to start to gather any
information you can. Try to get a job description, organizational structure,
company literature, just ask and see what happens. Stir up a short conversation
by asking a couple of relevant questions about the position, as this shows
interest.
The Receptionist Is Important
Don't kid yourself, this person's opinion is important and does influence
the hiring decision. I actually have a lot of first hand experience with
this... When I was interviewing candidates, the secretary/receptionist
would always let me know if the interviewer was rude, non-attentive, enthusiastic,
etc. If you go out of your way to be polite, kind, or friendly, the receptionist
will more than likely go out of her way to be helpful to you — but don't
over do it. The moral of the story is, pay attention to the receptionist,
they are important. Do more than make friends, try to find out more information
about the company or the interviewer that will help you during the interview.
Display a Positive Attitude and the Right Image
Did you know that many interviewers make their mind up in the first few
minutes as to whether they want to continue with the interview? It is
true; so in those few minutes, you need to establish a good chemistry,
because you should have already established the necessary credentials
by having a superb resume. Show a positive attitude, excellent communication
skills, confidence, mannerisms, enthusiasm, interest, and just the way
you look at the world. A smile and a firm handshake are a given.
Make a Sincere Compliment
Make sure you use sincere comments, it is so important not to sound phony.
One hint for finding something to say, is to research the company and
uncover some good things to say. Then find the opportunity near the beginning
of the meeting to let the interviewer know that you heard of such and
such and that the company is a large contributor to the United Way or
some other charity. You can also complement the building, offices, people,
products, services, etc.; but try your best to be unique and provide some
details, if appropriate.
Demonstrate Effective Communication During the Interview
Have you ever heard the saying, "It's not what you say, it's how you say
it"? When answering questions try to use good action-oriented stories.
People remember good stories, ones that use lots of action words -- it
keeps them interested.
Your personal chemistry will expand if you can correctly answer tough
questions. For example, Wow, Joe, you look very impressive on paper, you
should be able to solve all our problems, so, why should I hire you? Now,
if you try to answer that you may run the risk of sounding like you can
solve *all* the company problems, when in reality this is next to impossible.
A way to answer this and build chemistry is to explain. "Could you please
share some more information with me, then maybe I would give you a more
intelligent response. Yes, I do have a lot of experience and personal
strengths that can contribute to the company. But, without knowing specifics
and priorities, I would be speaking without thinking. So, for now I would
sooner listen to the person who knows what the challenges and the opportunities
are."
Listen and Discover Their Needs
You will find that some interviewers will let their needs be known, this
makes it easy for you. You just need to put your "listening ears" on and
use the information you gain to your advantage. If they don't give you
the information, you may have to *pry* it out of them by asking job-related
questions. "What would be the biggest challenge for the person in this
position?" If the interviewer wasn't that keen on you, this type of question
would increase your popularity. If you *listen* very closely and ask the
right questions during the conversation, you will understand how the interviewer
views the problem, their expectations, and if any process has been made.
Make sure you know your personal strengths beforehand, be prepared to
discuss examples of your strengths, and try to use action-packed stories.
You can then easily relate your strengths to the company needs.
Follow up
At the end of the interview make a positive comment about the interview,
indicate your enthusiasm about the position. After this summary, ask a
question to generate some feedback, such as, "Can you tell me if my qualifications,
skills, and strengths match your company needs, as I believe they do?
"What is the next step to contribute my efforts and enthusiasm to your
company?" Then send a follow-up/thank you letter to everyone that interviewed
you. It is polite, expected, and will keep you in the limelight. You will
be one step ahead of your competition.
Now, you have a strategy for building chemistry. If you would like to
learn more about conducting a successful job search, strengthening your
interview techniques and your confidence, etc. — give me a call and make
an appointment. Many clients who have gone through this process state
it's worth every penny.
Back to the Start - Job
Interview
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Source:
About the Author:
Candace Davies is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified
Employment Interview Professional, and experienced Career Coach. She
has successfully helped clients worldwide secure excellent job offers
and land ideal positions. She has spent over 12 years in staff recruitment
and management, which has given her the foundation to provide top-notch
career and interview coaching. Candace is the founder and president
of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing. http://www.candocareer.com/
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makes no representation as to the accuracy of information transmitted
herein.08/19/03
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