Have you ever talked to someone who was prickly, obstinate, and strong-minded to do or say the opposite of whatever you did? Now how about the opposite, where you and this other person got together so well and agreed on so much that you appeared to be on the “same wavelength?”
What was the difference between the two people and how they made you feel? And what the hell does it have to do with impressing a job interviewer? The difference is that Person No. 2 found one or more elements of common ground between the two of you, and tilled it– diligently.
Person No. 1, “The Jerk,” let’s name him, retained a self-centered focus throughout the likely short interview, never venturing to consider or ask about your experience, opinion, or feelings.
It has to do with the very real phenomenon that if you can make someone feel fine about himself or herself, you can make that individual walk away with a great feeling about you.
The method to do that when you’re being interviewed might seem counterintuitive as you read it here. But know that it works. The way you make them feel great about you is to ask the other person questions, then shut up and listen. It’s counter-intuitive because isn’t the idea of an interview for somebody to find out more about you?
Overview of an Interview.
Keep in mind that it’s a conversation, not an interrogation. So ask questions. Be sure to highlight your previous accomplishments, but keep away from talking about yourself the entire time.
Funnel your questions for the interviewer from the general to the exact : What’s it like to work here?–> What’s your main business plan focus this year?–> Would you tell me about an experience or project you worked on, that you considered prominent for you this year?
Some people may ask, is this a manipulative way to interact with people? Only to the same extent that being an expert race car driver is “manipulative” of automobiles ; or knowing how to pick stocks is manipulative of the economy.
Having an expert grasp of the tools of communication is no different. It’s how you get ahead of people who are focused just on themselves. The key is that you have to take a sincere interest in the person or people with whom you’re talking to. And your proposition must be win-win. Most people can spot a phony from several blocks away.
Practice Makes Mastery.
Practice this next time you’re engaged in any jobs in Ohio interview talk- resist the urge to go into “Jerk Mode” and blather on about yourself; instead- let the other person do the work. Assist with a few well-placed questions.
By the time you take this simple but rare communications ability into your next jobs in Ohio interview, you’ll already be in much better position to ace the interview than the “I”-focused applicant.
Bonus: When it’s time to write your ‘thank you’ notes to the people who questioned you for admission, you’ll have a rich trove of personal snippets to remind each interviewer of the unique interview you shared!