Job Interview Tips - Make Friends with Your Job Interviewer

aragon · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 08:36 AM

The First Impression
Like it or not, job interviewers can usually tell whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the job within the first minute.

It’s called the first impression, and your personal appearance, outfit, facial expressions and body language can make or break you.

To make a great first impression, walk in with confidence, but not cockiness, give a firm handshake, introduce yourself in a pleasurable tone of voice, make eye contact, sit up straight, show your enthusiasm and take a deep breath!

Always dress for success with a nice pant or skirt suit, even if the position or job is causal, and lay low on heavy cologne, perfume and makeup. And whatever you do, don't be late!

Building Rapport
Doing business is a lot about building a rapport, and building a rapport with a job interviewer is equally as important.

Studies show that job interviewers tend to hire candidates based on whether or not they are like them, as well as whether or not they seem like a match for the company culture.

This is a good secret to be in on in order to maximize your hiring power. The trick is to emphasize the similarities between yourself and the interviewer. Take notice of the way they speak and what kind of vocabulary and phrases they use, as well as their expressions and seating position. While subtle mimicking can unconsciously go a long way, don’t forget to be yourself and infuse your own unique personality.

The Small Talk Counts
Many interviewers like to make small talk with a prospective employee to get more of a feel of the temperament and personality that goes beyond responses an interviewer might have rehearsed.

While you don’t want to attempt to be buddy buddy with your interviewer, being able to converse in small talk is almost a talent. Make a connection with the interviewer, and your chances immediately increase.

If possible, do a little research on the interviewer and include what you have found in your small talk. For example, if your interviewer worked on a large campaign, ask them what it was like. Avoid too trivial of subjects and listen more than speaking.

After the Interview
Before trying to get out of the door as quick as possible, make sure you leave behind one more lasting impression. Reaffirm your interest, thank the interviewer for the opportunity for a job interview and give one last handshake.

Once you’re home, you’re still not finished. Pull out a nice card or get on the computer and send a thank you note.

Thank you notes should always be written after an interview.

Just think - If there are two equal candidates for a position, and one of them writes a thank you note, who do you think the interviewer will choose? You guessed it – the one who continued to make an impression even after the interview was over by sending the note.

An appropriate thank you note should restate your interest and enthusiasm for the position, include anything you forgot to mention during the interview and state why now you especially think you’re a good fit for the company.

Make it brief, concise and free of typos. If time and mail purposes allow, write a handwritten note.

Otherwise, a thank you note sent through the email is still acceptable

Job interviews aren't just about reciting all of the right answers you know the interviewer wants to hear. You can have all of the experience in the world, but if you don't establish a connection with your interviewer, your chances of scoring that dream job diminish. Show your interviewer that you're a real person and a good fit for the company, personality-wise. Most importantly - just relax! The more at ease you are, the more you'll be yourself.

End of part I

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