It takes only seven seconds for someone to judge you in a first meeting. Here’s how to make every second count. By Renee Beckman, CPA | Digital Exclusive - 2017
You can have the greatest background in the world on paper, but if you can’t perform, gain rapport, and articulate your skill set, you won’t get the job. So, here’s how to ace your next big interview.
1.Prepare Thoroughly.
Preparation goes beyond just understanding and researching the company’s website and perusing the annual report; they’re a given. When I prep a professional for an interview, we get a specific game plan in place. The advantage of working with a recruiter is that they have the inside track on what the hiring manager is looking for and what to emphasize. However, whether or not you work with a recruiter, being prepared will make or break you.
Start by writing an outline of how you’re going to approach the interview. Whatever you do, don’t wing it! Although you must be ready to adjust in the moment, you’ll be less anxious and perform better if you have a game plan walking in. At a minimum, you should have a job description you can work off so you know what technical skills to discuss. Give specific examples describing how you saved the company money or improved its processes. Results are what matter most when it comes to separating yourself from the competition.
2. Make a Good First Impression.
Whether it’s right or wrong, studies show that it takes only seven seconds for someone to judge you in a first meeting.
With that in mind, you need to stack the deck in your favor. Smile! When you smile at someone they’ll usually smile back, so it’s the perfect way to strike up some rapport. But make sure your smile is real. A natural smile will fade slowly: switch it on too fast or let it drop too soon and it doesn’t feel sincere.
Also, although your appearance plays second fiddle to body language, it does have an impact. Make sure your suit is freshly laundered, your shoes are polished, and that tattoos are covered. Also, don’t wear perfume or cologne as it can singlehandedly keep you from getting your dream job. Scent is a very individual thing, and your favorite violet-scented perfume might be your interviewer’s least favorite.
Lastly, practice your handshake with a friend. Limp, weak handshakes can be interpreted as a lack of confidence and strength. So, make sure your grip is firm and confident—practice!
3. Run Offense, Not Defense.
Asking open-ended questions is critical because it allows you to control the direction of the interview. Running offense gives you the advantage of being proactive versus reactive, which can happen when someone begins peppering you with difficult questions. Getting people to open up and talk about themselves also raises their self-esteem.
When I get feedback from a job seeker that the hiring manager wouldn’t let them say two words, I think “Success!” Be prepared to ask at least five intelligent questions of the hiring manager. Suggestions include: “What is your biggest challenge over the next 12 months?” “Where can I make the biggest impact for the team in the first 90 days?” “Tell me about your management style and expectations?” “Do you have any concerns about my abilities?”
4. Use a Nonverbal Strategy.
People like people who they perceive to be like themselves. Individuals feel comfortable when they believe they have something in common with the other person. Nonverbals are a subconscious way of connecting in an interview that can tip the scales in your favor. The concept of “mirroring” refers to the practice of copying the actions, terminology, and tonality of another person to create rapport. While in the interview, note the interviewer’s body posture. If his/her arms or legs are crossed, then cross yours as well. If their elbows are on the table and they are leaning forward, do the same. Listen carefully to the terminology or adjectives they are using and implement the same words and tone in your responses. This will make them feel that, subconsciously, you are like them, which in turn builds trust.
5. Be Positive.
Regardless of the reasons you’re looking for a new job, stay positive about your current and past employers. Focus on the present and the future and steer the conversation to the value you can bring to the organization; leave behind any emotional baggage that could be misconstrued. For example, if you’re leaving because you’re experiencing conflict with your manager, reply that the corporate culture/philosophy is not a good fit for your long-term goals. Sharing too much information about negative experiences will lose you the opportunity, guaranteed.
6. Connect All the Dots.
Your job during the interview is to connect the dots between your skill set and what the interviewer is looking for in a potential hire. Don’t assume your audience knows anything about your current or past employer; make sure you volunteer the industry, product or service they provide and anything relevant to the situation. Make sure your technical skills are communicated effectively during the interview.
7. Ask for the Job!
At the end of the interview, if you’re still interested in the opportunity, express it in no uncertain terms. Make a statement such as, “I really like what I’ve heard today and would be interested in exploring this opportunity further,” or “I ‘m interested in joining a team such as yours; what’s the next step in the process?” Time and again, hiring managers tend to hire people who are excited about working with them.
Good luck!
Renee Beckman, CPA is the founder and CEO of Limitless Search Inc., a specialized accounting and finance executive search, contract resources, and corporate recruiting consulting firm.
