How should candidates interact on job interviews ?

New Video as seen on Top Job Leads called 10 Steps to a Great Conversation/Interview :
http://www.topjobleads.com/stepsvideo.php

1) Be very warm and friendly. Just imagine you’re meeting an old friend from high school. Remember…first impressions are really KEY!

2) Really LISTEN to the other person. People love to talk about themselves. Get the hiring manager to do most of the talking-- they will like you even more!

3) Use the hiring manager’s name a lot- it will make you seem like part of the team.

4) Respond to what they say. Is the interviewer married with 3 kids? Say: “How'd you meet your wife? How old are your kids?” It builds a bond.

5) Make the interviewer feel important, by complimenting him or her. Everyone has an ego, especially men.

6) Laugh together. Laughter in the interview will help you land the job!

7) Don’t even THINK of arguing. Confrontation will NOT get you anywhere.

8) Ask questions that lead the interviewer to answer “YES”. This strengthens your position.

9) Say “thank you”. Show them you appreciate their time. People want to feel valued.

10) When you’re done, ask yourself, “Was this just an interview, or did I start a relationship here?”

REMEMBER to talk in your interview like you would talk to a friend. Be warm, engaging, and appreciative. And don’t forget to smile!!

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Permalink Reply by pam claughton on January 29, 2009 at 5:51pm

I'm not so sure about a few of these. They sound a bit too sales focused. I would question #3, using the person's name too much could backfire as it isn't natural. You don't say someone's name when you are talking to them, unless you're trying to sell them a car. #5, same thing and in fact I'd advise you NOT to do this. If you're interviewing for a job complimenting the person you are interviewing with is just bizarre, and obviously fake. Complimenting the company however is different, and even expected. #8 is also one I'd steer clear of. It's a classic technique for selling something, which is fine if you're looking to sell ad space or a car, but downright weird if you're interviewing. I advise people to ask open ended questions, not ones that can be answered with a one word response. Ask intelligent questions and you'll receive information that can guide you on what else to share about your background.

I do agree with much of the other advice though, especially getting the hiring manager to open up and talk about what they do, and to really listen well, that's what I emphasize to candidates, active listening. And if you get at all nervous, smile. It relaxes both you and the interviewer.