Getting hired is the result of give and take between a candidate and employer when they reach a decision that they are the right fit for each other.
“You’re hired.” Those are the words you’re hoping to hear at the end of the interview process. You’ve read all the advice from friends and self-help books, but somehow much of that information gets lost when you’re sitting across from the person making the decision.
It’s time to lighten up a little and cut yourself some slack. Don’t worry whether your handshake failed the firmness test. Don’t agonize about whether you said ‘um’ too many times when you were speaking.
Here are some tips that might make your next interview more pleasant and less stressful.
HR Personnel Don’t Really Want to Interview You
Does that shock you? Many hiring managers dread formal interviews as much as you do. What they actually want is a conversation to see how you handle yourself in normal circumstances.
So take advantage of the situation when the hiring manager asks you about your goals or philosophy and open up about yourself. This interaction will help to indicate whether you’re likely to enjoy working there.
Ask Questions that Show You’re Interested
The hiring manager wants to hear from you. Before you start interviewing at different companies, write up some generic questions that can be used with minor adjustments at just about any interview. The best questions will give some indication to the hiring manager about your interests and concerns, and the answers will help you decide whether you actually want the position.
Your Resumé Isn’t as Important as Your Online Presence
Your resumé is often a polished picture of you and may not show the depth of your personality. Your online presence, on the other hand, will tell the hiring manager much more about you. Make sure your online presence describes the person you want the hiring manager to see.
Let the Hiring Manager See How Passionate You Are about Succeeding
Don’t hold back on how much you need to succeed. The hiring manager will be happy to see a person who is ambitious about succeeding in the job. By the same token, you might ask the hiring manager whether he is ambitious. Does his answer describe the kind of environment you want to spend the next several years at?
Hiring Managers Want to Have Fun
Do your part to make the recruiting process enjoyable. The interviewer wants the process to be enjoyable as much as you do. Don’t put on a false front – open yourself up. The hiring manager will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and may look on your candidacy more favorably.
The Future Is More Important than the Past
What you’ve accomplished in the past is an indication of your abilities, but the hiring manager is more interested in what you can do for the future of his organization if he hires you. Talk about what you can do for the company – not about your past accomplishments.
Network, Network, Network
Network with professionals who can vouch for you whenever you have the chance. It’s only natural that the hiring manager will be likely to favor a candidate that has been vouched for by a mutual connection. Keep your networks fresh.
Looking for a new job does not have to be a painful process. Be honest and open during interviews and you will be likely to end up at the right decision about which offer to take!
