Job Interview Question: Prepare for the ONE essential!
Don't you wish every job interview question would go exactly as
you predicted? You know, the interviewer asks questions just the
way you imagined?
Unfortunately that rarely happens. You have to be ready for
anything. That means you have to think through alternative
strategies. And be prepared to answer questions you couldn't
anticipate.
But after all is said and done, there's only ONE essential that
will finally make the difference in terms of your candidacy. It
overshadows everything else that may happen in the interview.
You will move forward to the next step only if the interviewer
likes you!
That's right! In the final analysis, once you're in the
interview, it's less a matter of convincing the interviewer that
you can do the job than of convincing them you're the kind of
person the want. That means they have to like you!
So, how do you do that? Here are some tips to keeps in mind:
1. Enter the room with a smile. Look the interviewer directly in
the eye. Extend your hand for a firm handshake.
2. Be prepared to break the ice with a friendly comment. Could
be about anything . . . the weather, a sports event, you're trip
to the office, where or what you ate last night at the BBQ, your
pet, etc.
3. Let the interviewer control the pace and discussion climate.
4. On the other hand, don't sit like a bump and just passively
answer all questions that come your way. You want to turn this
into a dialog. Be prepared to ask intelligent questions.
5. Be ready to answer objections without getting defensive.
Identify in advance where your weak spots are and practice a
comfortable answer.
Once again, remember, whether you get a job offer or move onto
the next step depends a great deal on how much the interviewers
like you. Of course, your qualifications to do the job are
important.
But, don't forget, you were invited to the interview because
someone had already reviewed your background and decided you
would be worth talking to. So, your main task is to make
youreself likeable!