A strong results-driven resume and compelling LinkedIn profile that tell your career story can help get you in the door. Once you get a job interview you need to sell yourself to the recruiter and employer.
You’ll have a better chance of winning him or her over if you’re able to build rapport, communicate effectively, and end on a high note.
In this episode, I’ll give you several ways to make a connection with interviewers during the job search process.
# 1 BUILD RAPPORT
Common Ground
One way to build rapport is by finding common ground, things that you have in common like:
· Sports or sports team
· The arts, visual, film, etc.
· Same college or university alma mater
· Same college major or minor
· Share volunteer cause
Look for ways to connect as part of your pre interview research.
Show interest
Another way to build rapport is by showing interest. While conducting your pre-interview research you may find that the interviewer is heading a new initiative or just got a promotion or won an award.
#2 COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
Learn to listen
Maintain focus on the interview - don’t look down at your watch, out the window, at the books on the shelf, etc.
Pay attention
Don’t prepare what you’re going to say while the interviewer is still talking. Don’t let your mind wander – asking yourself questions like “How long have I been here?” or “Who else are they seeing?”
Listen to the words and the music
It’s not just what they’re saying, it’s the tone. Do they sound interested? Do they sound friendly? When they smile do their eyes light up or is it the perfunctory smile at the end of the interview?
# 3 AVOID MINEFIELDS
Know your resume cold
Everything you claim on your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and social media is fair game for the interviewer. Make sure you’re ready to talk about everything you claim.
Don’t talk too much
Make sure you’re ready to tell your career story. Know your resume and accomplishments cold. Present them to the interview as a story with a Beginning (challenge), Middle (actions taken), and End (results).
#4 END ON A HIGH NOTE
Most interviewers will end the interview by asking the candidate if they have any questions. Your response will help them gage your interest in the job and company and how much you prepared.
They don’t want to hear responses like “No, I think you covered everything” or “No, nothing else I need to know” or questions you could have answered yourself by reviewing the company website.
They hope to hear thoughtful questions about your role (what are you looking for in the person you hire? what will be your biggest challenges in the first 30 days?) and the company (how is the new initiative rollout going?)
Always be pleasant to everyone you meet. It might be the interviewer, or his boss, you encounter in the restroom
📌 NEW Podcast: Content Marketing School.
Thank you for listening, I hope you found this episode insightful and relevant. If you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur, or just want to dive more deeply into content marketing. I hope you'll join me on my new podcast, Content Marketing School.
Available on your favorite podcast platform.
(Previously recorded, Live Show)
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