The “It” Factor

Job seekers, gird your loins: you are about to learn an ugly truth.  As one of thousands vying for the same position, the skills highlighted on your resume are the same skills highlighted on the resumes of your competitors. With so many individuals demonstrating the same core competencies, how do employers select the right person to hire?  As much as an employer may deny this, it very often comes down to the likeability factor.  While the hiring manager must place her confidence in your skills, she must also sense that you will prove to be a trusted, loyal employee who will fit well within the company structure and culture.  In other words, she has to like you.

Human nature is unpredictable, so trying to decipher every interviewer’s personal likes and dislikes is an exercise in futility.  Instead of pandering to each individual interviewer, show yourself to be the type of employee that any progressive company will value.  Here’s how:

Engage in a genuine dialogue.  Allow the interviewer to ask you questions without interrupting her, and keep your answers professional as well as honest.  After screening numerous applicants, she is well equipped to differentiate between the liars and those who are honest about their abilities, accomplishments, and weaknesses.

Don’t offer a plethora of compliments.  If you like the view from her office or the pin she is wearing, it’s fine to break the ice with a succinct, heartfelt compliment.  But gushing about the interviewer’s hairstyle, makeup, wardrobe, and family photos will only make her uncomfortable and paint you as a sycophant whose sole agenda is to get hired.  Which brings us to our next point …

Explain why you are there.    Both you and the interviewer know why you’re really there: you need a steady income and God willing, some type of benefits package.  But so does every other applicant.  A little research on your part will yield information as to the company’s immediate and long-term objectives.  Explain what you can do to help to achieve those and be enthusiastic about it.  If given the choice between a passionate candidate and one who seems halfhearted, guess which one the manager will select?

Don’t be a George Costanza.   You may remember George from the popular Seinfeld sit-com. In addition to being star-crossed in his love life, George was constantly seeking work; more often than not, he was unemployed.  Hunting for the perfect job, George had an unrealistic list of demands for every employer, designed to make his jobs as cushy as possible.  Don’t be George.  Show that you are willing to work some overtime, if need be, and assist with a special project that may not have appeared in the formal job description.  Thus, you will present yourself as a “value added” employee.

Take the high road.   Many potential employees self-destruct on interviews by bad-mouthing former employers and/or co-workers.  When we advise you to be honest, we mean for you to balance the truth with common sense.  If you have issues with your former employer, determine in advance of your interview how you will frame your responses.  For example, “He was a filthy old man who grabbed me every time I walked by his desk,” “She had her pets and promoted them instead of me,” or “He was senile; I did all the work and he got all the credit” will not garner points with your potential employer.

“Up” your likeability factor and increase your chances for employment!