Once you’re in that interview room – after all the toiling over your cover letter and résumé are behind you – there isn’t much time to impress the individual(s) on the other side of the table. The hours you spent on your cover letter and résumé? Well, you only have seconds to come up with answers to the interviewer’s questions.
In a recent interview with Rick Probstein, founder of TopJobLeads, he provided 10 steps for creating great interview conversation that could propel you to a second interview – or prompt an offer letter. After all, half of landing a job is your qualifications. The other half is your “fit” for the organization and its employees.
1. First impressions are key. Be very warm and friendly like you would when meeting an old friend. Approach the interviewer in a welcoming way that shows you are there to build and grow a professional relationship, not just get something out of them.
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! By showing the interviewer that you’re interested in learning about them and the company, it proves that you are passionate and attentive to all types of detail-orientated situations.
3. Use the hiring manager’s name a lot. It will make you an already equal member of the team. Engage on a level that will show the interviewer you are not afraid to take action and jump into any situation.
4. Respond and react to what they say. Personal example: Is the interviewer married with three kids? Say: “How’d you meet your wife? How old are your kids?” Professional example: Offer basic solutions to situations the hiring manager may bring up or provide your approach to show the tools you’ll already bring to the job.
5. Make the interviewer feel important by complimenting him or her. Everyone has an ego, especially men. Try to keep the conversation positive and close to the same thought process as the interviewer.
6. Laugh together. Laughter in your interview will help you land the job! Try to not take yourself so seriously, let the interview flow fluidly.
7. Don’t even think of arguing. Confrontation will not get you anywhere.
8. Ask questions that lead the interviewer to answer “yes.” By leading the conversation, you’ll get the answers you want and need to land the job.
9. Say “thank you.” Show them you appreciate their time. People want to feel valued. Recognize their time and consideration with a follow-up phone call, written note or e-mail.
10. When you’re done, ask yourself, “Was this just an interview, or did I start a relationship here?” Honestly evaluate every interview conversation you have, even if you don’t get the job. Use it as a learning experience for your next interview.
This article was originally posted on Examiner.com.