All things being equal, most hiring decisions come down to job interview chemistry.
Good interview chemistry is the most important factor in determining whether a job seeker lands a job offer, regardless of formal qualifications, according to
Career Playbook.
Said
eJobCoach: “Generally, all the people called in for an interview have the skills to do the job. So, the deciding factor is usually the chemistry.”
But what does good job interview chemistry look like? Is it really that important? How can a job candidate create more of it?
Based on research and expert opinions, here is some guidance from
BetterMondays:
Keep the Conversation and Body Language Positive
Keep job interview answers and discussions as positive as possible. Even the first few seconds — when you introduce yourself and shake hands with the interviewer — are critical moments (See BM:
Get a Good Grip on a Job Interview).
As noted by Malcolm Gladwell, author of
Blink: “When you meet someone for the first time . . . your mind takes about two seconds to jump to a series of conclusions.”
Research suggests that interviewers, indeed, can make very quick decisions about applicants. And they make their quickest decisions about applicants who share negative information about their qualifications. In other words, negative information can quickly eliminate you from
consideration.
On the other hand, “positive first impressions of applicants are followed by interviewers who display more positive regard for applicants — things such as more positive interview styles, vocal styles and a favorable orientation toward job offers,” according to research.
Nonverbal cues, especially good eye contact, are vitally important, according to studies. Positive nonverbal cues also include proper attire, good posture and smiling.
Studies show that the most prepared job seekers also rate the highest in job interviews. Always do your pre-interview homework. There is no excuse, in today’s information-rich world, to go into a job interview without knowing the basics about the company and the position you are seeking (See BM:
Asking the Right Questions during a Job Interview).
Eliminate Awkward Moments
Silence can be deadly. Especially in a job interview.
Interviewers often interpret silence as evasiveness. This is not a trait you want to signal to a potential employer. In fact, research shows that interviews filled with many silent stretches are highly correlated with fewer job offers.
Unfortunately, silence is not always the candidate's fault. Some interviewers are dreadful at generating conversation, which puts the job seeker in a tough spot. While it's certainly fine to take a few seconds to think about your answers to questions, keep the conversation flowing — just as you would if you were a guest on a television talk show.
Sell Yourself with Stories
A great way to fill up silence and answer questions is to tell stories that help sell you as the best candidate for the job. Prior to job interviews, candidates should have several stories planned and work to weave those stories into the conversation. Jot down the stories you want to share (just the topics) and bring the note with you to help you remember.
The best stories do more than just list past experiences and job functions; they demonstrate how specific efforts were performed and the results they produced. Did you help add profit or bring some other new value or benefit to the org
anization? A job interview without memorable
story lines is like watching a bad movie. Not good.
It’s not enough to say you’re ambitious, motivated, driven, people-skilled, organized, self-confident, etc. Recruiters and hiring managers have heard all these buzzwords before. What they will remember are your stories. You’ll be amazed at how your best stories will help you carry the interview.
Stories also help you give answers to more difficult questions such as: “What is your biggest weakness?” You know this question is coming. One of the best answers to this zinger is to explain that you are a bit of a perfectionist; then, you can launch into one of your stories demonstrating how your attention to detail was a key to success.
Close the Deal
The job interview close is the equivalent of the “call me” moment at the end of a good date, according to Graham. This is the time to reaffirm you interest in the job and let the interviewer know you are looking forward to speaking with them again for next steps. But please, no kissing!
Practice Makes Perfect
Some people are just born with good job interview skills. The good news is that you can improve, even if you’re not the most extroverted person. In fact, research suggests that mere belief in your job interview skills often predicts job search outcomes – even for people who don’t rate high on extroversion and conscientiousness.
Practice interviewing as much as possible. Success breeds success. Accept all job interview requests. Even if they are jobs you’re not overly thrilled about, the experience will help you sharpen you skills and confidence. Help can also be found by working with employment agencies, career counselors and reviewing print and online job-hunting guides.
Conclusions
A good job interview performance dramatically influences the hiring process. Without a doubt, your career credentials are important. But once you get to the job interview, study after study suggests that chemistry is the difference-maker.
Here are some additional quick tips to help you succeed in your next job interview:
♦ Structure answers and performance to create a comfort level for leadership qualities, goal-driven performance and interpersonal warmth.
♦ Emphasize your similarity. Don’t be afraid to praise the interviewer or the organization in your conversation. People are attracted to others who seem to be attracted to them.
♦ Be agreeable. Don’t overdo it, but a few endorsement of attitudes or values held by the interviewer and the organization can be powerful.
♦ Highlight your motivation and competence. Use positive statements to describe yourself, your future plans and past accomplishments.
♦ Use stories to demonstrate how you were responsible for positive outcomes and ways you have helped organizations overcame obstacles. It’s always better to show than tell.
♦ Dress properly and be mindful of nonverbal cues such as good posture, eye contact and smiling. Remember, you are on display.
♦ Avoid vague or evasive answers. Recruiters often complain about this.
♦ Be ready to explain, with a story, the type of person you are and how you are a good fit for the organization and the position.
♦ Demonstrate how you are growth oriented and flexible.
♦ Express often your interest in the position and the company.
♦ Take charge during interviews to get your main points across.
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