Generating 'chemistry' in an interview<\/p>\n
By Pri Notowidigdo<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): \"Am I ready for the interview?\"<\/p>\n
You have undoubtedly asked yourself this question in the past,
\nprior to a job interview, or maybe you are asking this question
\nnow as you prepare for an interview in the not too distant
\nfuture.<\/p>\n
No doubt, you have discovered that preparation is the key to
\nsuccess. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of
\nbeing hired.<\/p>\n
So how do you prepare for an interview?<\/p>\n
First make sure that you've got the right date, time, and
\nvenue. Get the correct name and title of the person you're
\nmeeting. Decide how you should dress and appear so as not to
\nclash with proper attire in the company . . . and so on.<\/p>\n
Basically, do a due diligence of what, where, and when.<\/p>\n
The how of the interview, though, is what can make you or
\nbreak you. This is where the element of personal chemistry, or
\nshared values, comes into play.<\/p>\n
You don't need to alter your identity for the sake of an
\ninterview.<\/p>\n
The best thing you can do is to relax, and rely on your
\nempathy, common sense, and forethought as the best means of
\ngenerating personal chemistry in the interview.<\/p>\n
Empathy can be used effectively anytime you want to exchange
\nideas with another person. When you think about it, that's
\nexactly what an interview is: an exchange of ideas with another
\nperson.<\/p>\n
\"What are the thoughts, feelings, or attitude of the person
\ninterviewing you?\"<\/p>\n
Only by listening carefully and asking questions will you find
\nthe real needs of the interviewer. There's little point in
\nselling yourself unless you first learn what the interviewer
\nwants to buy.<\/p>\n
The success of your interview will depend on your ability to
\ndiscover needs and empathize with the interviewer.<\/p>\n
You can do this by asking questions that verify your
\nunderstanding of what the interviewer has just said, without
\ncommenting or expressing an opinion.<\/p>\n
By establishing empathy in this manner, you will be in a
\nbetter position to freely exchange ideas, and demonstrate your
\nsuitability for the job.<\/p>\n
In understanding the needs of the employer, ask meaningful
\nquestions by:<\/p>\n
* Creating dialog, which will not only enable the two of you
\nto learn more about each other, but will help you visualize what
\nit will be like working together once you're hired;<\/p>\n
* Clarify your understanding of the company, the job
\nobjective, and responsibilities;<\/p>\n
* Indicate your grasp of the fundamental issues facing the
\norganization;<\/p>\n
* Demonstrate your ability to probe and ask questions beyond
\nthe superficial; and<\/p>\n
* Challenge the employer to reveal his depth of knowledge, or
\ncommitment to the job and organization.<\/p>\n
Your questions should always be slanted in such a way as to
\nshow interest, or an understanding of the employer's needs, e.g.
\n\"What are the most important issues facing your department?\"<\/p>\n
This will give you a sense of the company's goals and
\npriorities, and indicate to the interviewer your concern for
\nsatisfying the company's objectives.<\/p>\n
In addition to empathy, keeping in mind other critical
\nelements will ensure a successful interview.<\/p>\n
Your enthusiasm in the job is a critical element reflecting
\nmotivation for both you and your employer. What you love to do
\nwill demonstrate your technical interest.<\/p>\n
How you project confidence can instill the interviewer's
\nconfidence in you as long as it does not border on arrogance or
\naggressiveness.<\/p>\n
Finally, keeping yourself focused on what's happening during
\nthe interview will keep the discussion meaningful.<\/p>\n
Being aware of these elements will influence the way your
\npersonality is perceived, and will affect the degree of rapport,
\nor personal chemistry you will share with the employer.<\/p>\n
Since the interview also involves the exchange of tangible
\ninformation, make sure that you also:<\/p>\n
* Present your background in a thorough and accurate manner;<\/p>\n
* Gather data concerning the company, the industry, the
\nposition, and the specific opportunity;<\/p>\n
* Link your goals, interests, and abilities with the company's
\nneeds in the mind of the employer; and<\/p>\n
* Build a strong case on how hiring you can benefit and
\nprovide added value to the company.<\/p>\n
The more everyone knows about each other, the more potential
\nyou'll have for coming to a mutual understanding and getting an
\noffer of employment.<\/p>\n
Think of the interview as a process rather than an event. In
\nthis way, you will then come to regard it as a unique opportunity
\nto exchange ideas and find a common ground for future cooperation
\neither as an employer . . . or even as a business partner.<\/p>\n
The writer is an executive search consultant with Amrop
\nInternational, The Amrop Hever Group, an organization that seeks
\nsenior executives worldwide.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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