Getting a job depends on your skills and experience, but also your social skills. I learn as much about people from how they carry themselves and respond to nonverbal cues as I do from their resume and application.
From the first phone call, social skills affect others' impressions of you. You need to listen so you understand the other person, answer the questions and refrain from interrupting. You want to convey that you are attentive, you care about the person on the other end and you are ready to cooperate.
The interview is a conversationFace-to-face, you need an even greater awareness of social cues. Make the interview a conversation, focusing on the other person and being responsive to what he wants. You want to do everything possible to send the message that you are professional, intelligent and cooperative, and that you know common courtesies.
The first step is showing you are aware of the importance of proper attire. Dress conservatively (the navy blue suit is always a safe bet) and avoid excessive jewelry, makeup, tattoos or unusual hairstyles. Be sure your dress says, "Here is a professional worth interviewing."
When the interviewer extends his hand, give a firm, confident handshake. A limp handshake says you lack confidence.
After that, your best friend in the interview is listening. What is the interviewer asking? Don't try to tell your life story. The interviewer needs information to decide whom to hire, so don't make him work to get it.
Let the interviewer lead the dance. Respect that person. Don't ask why someone else isn't interviewing you instead.
If you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to clarify it. The most frustrating answers are the ones that don't respond to the question. Be concise and get to the point. If the interviewer wants more information, she will ask for it.
Throughout the interview, think about what the conversation is telling you about the interviewer. Watch facial reactions. Is the interviewer smiling? Is he making eye contact? Be sure
you make eye contact -- it indicates your confidence and it shows you are telling the truth.
Treating the interview as a conversation means:
- Looking the interviewer in the eye, but not staring.
- Smiling when it is appropriate.
- Being real and avoiding language that tries to impress.
- Letting the facts speak for themselves.
- Having your strengths, accomplishments and values fresh in your mind, ready to present. (If you have difficulty doing this, get a job coach.)
- Not being thrown off by comments or questions, and not coming off as combative or belligerent.
- Showing you care. When the interview is over, ask what the next steps are. Let the interviewer know you are interested in the job and thank her for her time and interest in you.
- Following up immediately with a handwritten note and an e-mail.
"Colleen on Careers" will take a break over the holidays and will resume Jan. 7.
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