Interviews, especially for a promising job, can be nerve racking, to say the least. Communications consultant Mark Jeffries speaks out about the art of business seduction on the TODAY show and conducts interviews on-camera to highlight the do's and don'ts for job candidates.
While many career experts often suggest to keep personal matters out of any job interview, Jeffries actually encourages candidates to get personal during an interview, however not too much.
"Apparently, if you ever are unlucky enough to get kidnapped, the advice is always talk about your family and your personal life, then it allegedly becomes harder for them to harm you," Jeffries said. "Same in an interview, feel free to tell them a little about you personally. Let them get to know you. After all they will have to work with you every day and you want them to like the thought of having you around - 80 percent business, 20 percent personal. (Also, if you see a picture on their desk of a dog or cat and you have one - make sure you reference that you enjoy time with your pet - instant bond!)"
In the video, Jeffries introduces two acronyms: LWAR, which stands for Listen, Watch, Anticipate, and React. Also: NPM, which implies Nods Per Minute and as an interviewee it is important to be attentive to the interviewer's NPM, as a sign if what you are saying is important or if a subject change is needed.
Jeffries advised that when trying to bond with a hiring manager, doing a bit of digging about the person before you meet them is also a good idea, but don't let on about all you have dug up.
"If you have uncovered an interest that you both have, you clearly need to reference it for that NBB 'Non-Business Bond.' However, you don't want to come across like a crazy stalker," he wrote during the web chat. "So, here's what you do. Within conversation about yourself, reference how much you enjoy (insert common interest here) and wait for your interviewer to spark up and suddenly say, 'ooo, I like that too.' After this, you have to fake it just a tiny bit and feign surprise at such a happy coincidence. Result: 'Wouldn't it be great if we worked together?' Nice!"
One key point that has been embedded into candidates beforehand is the importance of asking questions. Jeffries stresses that all interviewees should always ask the interviewer questions.
"It shows that you are interested in the job, the company and the opportunity," he explained. "Just make sure your questions are never about salary increases, bonuses or vacation. You need to ask questions about plans, strategy, approach, culture, vision - you know all those things corps really love. Show with your questions, that you are going to truly fit in with the team and that the management will be able to get on with you."
Check out Mark Jeffries blog.
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