Did you know that 8.5 million Americans don’t have jobs, according to CNBC? Here is a statistic that jumped out at me from the same CNBC article, some 40 percent of the people who don’t have jobs have stopped looking!
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What does this mean for you?
If you’re looking for a job it’s not enough to simply show up at a job interview and hope for the best! There is too much competition for the job!! I remember a few years ago, while looking to fill a leasing consultant position, I saw numerous resumes from people with masters degrees and other higher level education and career experience just trying to find any position, even entry level ones, in the midst of the “Great Recession.”
I want to focus on one thing to help you in the interview process … how to develop a connection with the person interviewing you. Studies have shown that people make a determination about how they feel about you in under 10 seconds-and their thoughts afterward confirm their initial impression of you.
In other words if the hiring manager is impressed with you in the first 10 seconds, the chances are s/he will filter her interview with you through the lens of feeling “impressed” … which is a good thing! On the other hand, if the hiring manager thinks you’re a jerk, then much of what you do during the interview will “prove” to him/her that you are a jerk, regardless of whether you are actually acting like one or not!
Dress Like It’s a First Date
If you’ve ever been on a first date, I’m assuming you didn’t show up in your beat up grey sweats from Wal-Mart, right? (Right?) Why? Because you’re trying to make a good impression! (You save the sweats for after you’ve been married for some time.)
I have interviewed many people during my career who showed up in flip-flops, hoodies and jeans and I didn’t consider them at all, even if they were qualified. For most companies, even ones with a casual culture) there is still a traditional expectation of proper attire for an interview. So be sure to go in looking like you want the job!
Do Your Homework
Have you ever been on a date where your date didn’t seem to give a rip about you? How did that make you feel? Hiring managers feel the same way with candidates who haven’t taken the time to do homework about the job, the company, the industry etc.
- Review the company’s website
- “Google” the company and find out the latest news
- Prepare intelligent questions (don’t just ask about PTO and benefits) to ask the interviewer, that demonstrate that you have done your homework
Assessment Tests
Many companies are using assessment tests as part of the interview process. When you take those tests, do not try to “outthink” and “outsmart” the test and provide answers that you think the company wants! It won’t work.
Connect!
You will help yourself out if you make some determinations of the interviewer. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is s/he more “talkative” or a “just the facts” kind of person?
- Does she seem to be in a rush?
- Is s/he listening to what I have to say, or is s/he tuning out?
- Does it feel like we are connecting?
Then with those answers adjust your approach to fit the situation! If you feel you’re dying, you may need to be more assertive, or back off a little, or ask an open ended question to get the interviewer talking. If things are going well, keep doing what you’re doing. If what you’re doing isn’t working, do something different!
Remember: You’re trying to get the hiring manager to “fall in love” with you as a candidate! Do everything you can to make that happen!
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Rommel Anacan is the president of The Relationship Difference-a professional and personal development firm in Orange County, California. He is a sought-after motivational speaker, corporate trainer and strategist and has spoken for leading companies, organizations and to thousands of people nationwide. For more information about Rommel, visit www.RelationshipDifference.com.
