Tips for Job Interview Success – You Must Prove Yourself on Two Levels
John Lucht, in his bestselling book Rites of Passage, discusses how that when on an interview you must prove yourself on two levels. You must be perceived as someone who is 1) a fine person, and 2) capable of performing the job. The important tip for job interview success is to understand that unless you pass the fine person test your capabilities on job performance will be greatly diminished. Most job applicants understand that they must present their capabilities and skills, but many do no interview preparation on how they will convey the image of a fine person. Let’s look more closely at what “makes” someone a fine person.
The hiring manager wants to hire a fine person because that someone will be working closely with him/her. How the new hire is perceived by others in the organization will also reflect on the hiring manager. So the interviewer is wanting to identify someone who:
- Has good communication skills, especially listening.
- Is optimistic and believes that he/she can make a difference.
- Coveys honesty and openness.
- Is a logical intelligent person who doesn’t “shoot from the hip”.
- Can make a commitment and take responsibility.
- Appears healthy, attractive and tasteful in dress.
- Has compassion for others and is not egocentric.
- On the whole is an interesting enthusiastic person who people want to associate with.
The above points may seem to be more about image than substance, but they should not be overlooked. If you come across as someone who hasn’t mastered common social graces than your ability to do the job will often be overlooked. So when preparing for an interview take an assessment of how you are presenting yourself on the traits that help define a fine person. Make any necessary modifications that will help position you as the most desirable candidate.