I was talking to a friend recently, who was floating on Cloud Nine. She had met a man and in her words, “It was magic! It was love at first sight!” This couple had, as some would say, chemistry.
Interview Chemistry: What is It?
One of the statements I hear from clients after not getting an offer is, “I don’t know why I didn’t get the job. I thought we had great chemistry.” But did they? Interviews are not just conversations. Unfortunately, too often job candidates think of interviews as just that — sessions where they sit back and answer questions. An interview is like a sports competition. No two are the same; you can’t plan exactly how things will go, but you can have a game plan for coming out well. The point is to make the most out of the interview; and to come out better than the competition, whom we will assume, are as qualified as you are.
In the interview, both sides are asking, “Do I like this person? Will I enjoy working with this person?” As a job candidate, your primary goal in the interview is to convince the employer that you want to work for them, and only them. Here are two first steps to help you build chemistry with everyone you meet in an interview situation.
For interview coaching and practice to help you establish the kind of chemistry and connection you want in an interview, let me help.
Interview Chemistry: First 2 Steps
- Research each company or firm. How do you feel when you meet a person for the first time who knows a lot about you? It usually catches people off guard in a pleasant way. It creates a very positive first impression. It is often the basis on which successful businesses are shaped. An accountant friend of mine attributes his success to research he does ahead of time. His clients repeatedly tell him that he won their business against stiff competition, because he knew more about them than anyone else! If you make the effort to know the employer organization’s website, their press, their industry, their competition and even the person or persons you will be meeting, this ignites a bond.
- Amaze the front lines. When you arrange or confirm the interview appointment, this is a great opportunity to collect more data. Many of my clients have gathered job descriptions, brochures and other enlightening information—simply by asking. One study showed that two-thirds of hiring managers said that they were heavily influenced by their right-hand administrative support person or team.
Interview Chemistry: In Practice
My executive client, George once shared with me a personal example of this power. He had a 1:30 appointment to interview Mr. X. When Mr. X showed up, George had completely forgotten about the appointment. It was also a busy day. George asked his Executive Assistant, “Marge, what do you think of him?” Marge said not one word; she simply gave a thumbs-down signal. Mr. X had apparently droned on about himself in the waiting room, which greatly irritated Marge who had work to do. Short story: Mr. X was relegated to interviewing with an assistant. And Marge was instructed by George to provide her opinion to this assistant. Mr. X was history. No one had taught him how important it is to make a positive impression on the front office staff. Simple things like arriving just a tad early, being organized, not talking on your cell, or simply smiling and saying “thanks” to the receptionist!
Without chemistry and connection in an interview, it’s an uphill battle. In Part 2, I’ll share two more steps to creating interview connection with chemistry.
Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness.”
~ Margaret Miller
Photo: tedmurphy
