WITH AMANDA ROSE

The founder of Small Business Women Australia, Amanda is a key mentor and career advisor

In a job interview, being likeable can give you an edge.

The number one way to establish this is to have relaxed confidence, which can be hard to get but often comes with practice.

If you are being yourself, the interviewer will know you are comfortable in the environment and easy to get along with.

Sit relaxed but upright, don’t slouch. Don’t bite your nails or look around when talking.

You can show your relaxed confidence in how you dress – the aim is to show your personality but still look smart. Smiling is also a good way to make yourself likeable. It is the quickest way to break the ice and connect with someone.

Being kind is another way.

Often people think kindness is a weakness and hide that because it’s not aggressive enough in business, but you can be strategic and forceful as well as kind and empathetic.

You can show kindness in a job interview by being genuinely interested in someone or caring in general.

It’s how you talk about others, too – don’t be toxic or whinge and moan. Show you understand that sometimes things don’t work or that some people can be a particular way and everyone has choices in life. Kindness means showing compassion and not being judgmental.

Don’t be late for the interview – that will make you likeable. Don’t be too familiar but be engaging.

If they ask whether you have any questions, don’t say “no”. Ask about the company and the role.

If you can’t shake hands for Covid reasons, follow the lead of the employer or interviewer.

You could say, “I’d love to shake your hand but obviously I can’t right now.”

If you can shake hands, make eye contact. Don’t shy away or do a limp handshake.

Don’t try to be funny if you are not funny. Don’t force a joke. But if your personality is like that, be you. Be respectful but it doesn’t mean you can’t be witty.

At the end, be polite, say “thank you” and leave. Don’t outstay your welcome but don’t just bolt.

The more you practise, the better you will get.

You can practise in front of the mirror or with friends or go to workshops but there is no better way to learn than in actual interviews.