Generating 'chemistry' in an interview

Generating 'chemistry' in an interview

By Pri Notowidigdo

JAKARTA (JP): "Am I ready for the interview?"

You have undoubtedly asked yourself this question in the past,
prior to a job interview, or maybe you are asking this question
now as you prepare for an interview in the not too distant
future.

No doubt, you have discovered that preparation is the key to
success. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of
being hired.

So how do you prepare for an interview?

First make sure that you've got the right date, time, and
venue. Get the correct name and title of the person you're
meeting. Decide how you should dress and appear so as not to
clash with proper attire in the company . . . and so on.

Basically, do a due diligence of what, where, and when.

The how of the interview, though, is what can make you or
break you. This is where the element of personal chemistry, or
shared values, comes into play.

You don't need to alter your identity for the sake of an
interview.

The best thing you can do is to relax, and rely on your
empathy, common sense, and forethought as the best means of
generating personal chemistry in the interview.

Empathy can be used effectively anytime you want to exchange
ideas with another person. When you think about it, that's
exactly what an interview is: an exchange of ideas with another
person.

"What are the thoughts, feelings, or attitude of the person
interviewing you?"

Only by listening carefully and asking questions will you find
the real needs of the interviewer. There's little point in
selling yourself unless you first learn what the interviewer
wants to buy.

The success of your interview will depend on your ability to
discover needs and empathize with the interviewer.

You can do this by asking questions that verify your
understanding of what the interviewer has just said, without
commenting or expressing an opinion.

By establishing empathy in this manner, you will be in a
better position to freely exchange ideas, and demonstrate your
suitability for the job.

In understanding the needs of the employer, ask meaningful
questions by:

* Creating dialog, which will not only enable the two of you
to learn more about each other, but will help you visualize what
it will be like working together once you're hired;

* Clarify your understanding of the company, the job
objective, and responsibilities;

* Indicate your grasp of the fundamental issues facing the
organization;

* Demonstrate your ability to probe and ask questions beyond
the superficial; and

* Challenge the employer to reveal his depth of knowledge, or
commitment to the job and organization.

Your questions should always be slanted in such a way as to
show interest, or an understanding of the employer's needs, e.g.
"What are the most important issues facing your department?"

This will give you a sense of the company's goals and
priorities, and indicate to the interviewer your concern for
satisfying the company's objectives.

In addition to empathy, keeping in mind other critical
elements will ensure a successful interview.

Your enthusiasm in the job is a critical element reflecting
motivation for both you and your employer. What you love to do
will demonstrate your technical interest.

How you project confidence can instill the interviewer's
confidence in you as long as it does not border on arrogance or
aggressiveness.

Finally, keeping yourself focused on what's happening during
the interview will keep the discussion meaningful.

Being aware of these elements will influence the way your
personality is perceived, and will affect the degree of rapport,
or personal chemistry you will share with the employer.

Since the interview also involves the exchange of tangible
information, make sure that you also:

* Present your background in a thorough and accurate manner;

* Gather data concerning the company, the industry, the
position, and the specific opportunity;

* Link your goals, interests, and abilities with the company's
needs in the mind of the employer; and

* Build a strong case on how hiring you can benefit and
provide added value to the company.

The more everyone knows about each other, the more potential
you'll have for coming to a mutual understanding and getting an
offer of employment.

Think of the interview as a process rather than an event. In
this way, you will then come to regard it as a unique opportunity
to exchange ideas and find a common ground for future cooperation
either as an employer . . . or even as a business partner.

The writer is an executive search consultant with Amrop
International, The Amrop Hever Group, an organization that seeks
senior executives worldwide.