Engage the Interviewer on a Personal and Business Level
In today's tight job market where hundreds, if not thousands, of
applications are received for each position posted, you need to
try just about anything to be remembered by the person who
interviews you.
You can take some initial steps to be remembered and noticed by
creating an outstanding resume and a professional cover letter.
You can also be the epitome of professionalism when your
interview is scheduled. However, this is not always enough.
Be friendly and personable
When you finally get to your interview, start looking for areas
where you can engage the interviewer on a personal level. Most,
if not all people who conduct interviews will talk about a
previous position, their family or maybe their hobbies. If you
find that they have something in common with you, spend a few
minutes talking with them about that.
You can start your conversation with the interviewer by asking
if they are having a good day or if they are having a hard time
filling the position. Try to connect with the interviewer beyond
just answering questions. If they are having a hard day or have
been unable to fill the position, commiserate with them and
maybe relate a similar story from your past.
If you find that you have a hobby or previous job in common with
the interviewer, spend a few minutes talking about that topic
and try to relate to the interviewer. Once you have found
something in common, you can carry that through any additional
interviewers at the same company. When interviewer number two
comes in and you start talking with them, you can say something
like, "I was speaking with Mary, the first interviewer,
about..."
Don't bad mouth
The one major thing you want to avoid is bad mouthing a previous
employer or any other business. If you start talking with an
interviewer and find that you both worked at the same place
years ago, refrain from making any derogatory comments about
that company or about your supervisors.
If you find that your interviewer talks about one of