Career Advice | Power of Personality
Why technical skills alone are not always enough to land the best jobs
Picture this: you've just finished an interview and feel pretty confident
about getting a job offer. Your technical experience is outstanding, your
on-the-job skills are advanced and your job history is solid. But one week later
you still haven't gotten a call back, and later you find out that another
candidate got the offer.
What happened? Why weren't your stellar credentials enough to make you stand out from the rest of the crowd? First of all, good credentials aren't always rare, especially in today's increasingly competitive job market. The fact is, just about any one out there in the same profession can duplicate a technically strong resume. Another candidate may know the same software, have interned at a similar hospital and even gotten the same GPA in college that you did. But there is one thing that makes you different from every other candidate out there: your personality.
Two candidates may submit resumes that are strikingly similar (HR professionals say this happens quite often) and the final decision comes down to personality. Who will work better on the team? Provide more positive vibes in the office? Work harder with a better attitude? These are important questions that many hiring managers consider just as important - if not more important - than technical capabilities. So how can you improve in the professional personality department? It's not something you can develop overnight, but with a few key improvements you can put on a better face for the next interview and add a bit of charisma to go along with that excellent resume.
Be sure of yourself
Take out that first-class resume and remind yourself that you did it! Don't
go over-inflating your own ego, but remember that self-confidence is an
important part of projecting a good aura at the workplace. If you feel secure in
your capabilities, the hiring manager sitting across from you will too. Someone
may be able to toss a few qualifications on a piece of paper, but the best
possible hire has the attitude to go with those credentials. Don't be afraid to
ask questions at the interview, and confidently give answers about yourself.
Get physical
No, don't go to the gym to find the perfect job. But do offer a firm
handshake, direct eye contact and smiles, nods, and plenty of questions. Body
language is extremely important on the job. Use your posture to express interest
and honesty. Many people pay more attention to your movements than your words,
so why not use both to get your point across? Be conscious of where your hands
are and what you are looking at during an interview. Someone who is focused on
the interview, with still hands and direct eye contact seems more dependable,
professional and capable.
Don't hear - listen
We've all been there - standing at the office water cooler in the middle of a
conversation when suddenly you realize you can't remember what the person across
from you is talking about. You've been completely tuning them out, thinking
about picking up the dry-cleaning and making dinner reservations at the new
restaurant downtown. Unfortunately, you've managed to alienate your discussion
partner and make them feel uncomfortable. Always pay attention when someone else
is speaking. It makes them feel important and respected, and, most critically,
it is just plain polite.
Show common courtesy
Believe it or not, common courtesy is becoming increasingly rare. Make your
interviewer's day by minding your manners, confirming your meeting prior to the
interview and sending a thank you e-mail or note after you've met. This
indicates someone who is responsible and respectful of his or her employer,
fellow workers and self. You can never go wrong with simple kindness, and it can
go a long way in leaving a lasting positive impression.
Be yourself
Everyone has a different way of showing confidence, respect and
responsibility. The important thing is that you be sure you show all three in an
interview. A great resume may get you in the door, but it will always be your
personality that keeps you there.
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