Secrets to Being Likable in Interviews
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
When people are looking for work, especially if they are between jobs, it's not uncommon to have a crisis of confidence in interviews. As an interviewer, it's pretty easy to spot someone who is experiencing this. They tend to do one of two things:
- Act overly confident and boastful, hoping to appear too good to be true.
- Act extremely humble and too nice, hoping to appear very grateful for the opportunity.
Both approaches can cost the job.
Balance of Confidence & Humility
The secret to being likable in interviews is to find that fine balance of confidence and humility. There is a simple two-step process you can use when answering interview questions to help with that.
1) Always talk about yourself using quantifiable accomplishments. Back-up every statement you make about your abilities with facts and statistics to validate what you are saying.
2) Make it clear that while you are proud of these accomplishments, you did not achieve them alone. Give credit to those who helped you achieve those accomplishments as a way to prove you understand there is no "i" in "team."
You Are Not Special, But You Are Unique
In interviews, your goal is to show the employer how you're unique from other candidates. Specifically, how that uniqueness will provide the greatest return on their investment. It is not your goal to appear special - none of us are. Keep that in mind on interviews and you'll not only find it easier to keep the crisis of confidence in check, you'll be more likeable too.
What tips do you have for being more likeable in interviews? I'd love your thoughts below.
If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.
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P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of a popular career advice site,CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program,CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!
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CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here !
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CLSSWB - Training Specialist II
7 年I love the- "You Are Not Special, But You Are Unique". A simple reminder that everyone can be a contributor for the company. Smile and stay humble and happier.
Account Manager at LENO Web Solutions
8 年The hardest part is actually getting the chance for interview. I use this site to make sure my resume is being seen https://goo.gl/2MXp0g so that I actually get the chance to put these tips to use.
Strategic Marketing, Global Pharma Events & Project Management Executive
9 年Great points to follow.
Consultant Fonctionnel Junior
9 年Body languge defintly has something to do with your "likeability" and should be practiced BEFORE the interview itself as being to self-aware during the interview could lead to more stress and being less receptive (not even talking about the weird feeling of talking to someone that is constantly changing his/her posture like a lunatic !)