Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Showcase soft skills
Being nice and a pleasure to be with is an important part of the interview process
There are many jobs available out there, so why can’t you get a job offer? After all, you’re talented, you’re a wonderful person, and you’re available. No doubt, the companies in your city have incompetent human resource employees, you might think to yourself. Stop right there. The reason you can’t get a job may be you — and you don’t even know it. The purpose of most interviews is to answer the questions a potential employer has about you. They are looking for a person to join their organization, and many times they spend more time each day with co-workers than with their family members or friends. Because of this, in addition to revealing your professional skill sets, you must overcome the unspoken deal breakers. During the interview, be sure you give the impression that you’re a person that’s enjoyable to be around. Don’t come across as the life of the party, but do be pleasant, respectful and polite. After all, if they have to spend so much time with someone, it might as well be someone they like. Give examples of how you’ve been helpful to previous co-workers and how you found satisfaction in doing so. The workplace has many challenges, and leaders want team players who reduce tension while increasing productivity. This is more difficult than it sounds. Here is your opportunity to offer skill sets that can help you accomplish specific duties and make the workplace more productive with a style most others will appreciate. It’s impossible to be liked by all, but here are some points for you to consider. Most people like others who are the following: Honest: We’re leery of those who appear to stretch the truth. Trustworthy: We’re suspicious of those who appear clever. Doers: We all want to be around people who get their work done quickly and efficiently. Positive: Optimists are more fun to be around than those who always seem to see the negative side of things. Sensitive to others: We avoid those who are self-centered. Professional: Most of your co-workers would prefer a professional attitude instead of dealing with someone who’s trying to be “cool.” Attentive: No one enjoys being ignored, and that includes interviewers. In other words, be nice! Make sure those positive attributes shine through during the interview. Certainly, we’ve all been programmed to believe that the most qualified individual gets the job. But let’s face it — the chemistry between the interviewer and the interviewee many times becomes the deciding factor. — Gary Moore is president of Insight Edge. He has more than 30 years of business experience and specializes in the Personality Priority hiring process, sales and leadership training. Visit Moore’s website, www.insightedge.com, or send email to garymoore@insightedge.com.