Interviewing -- Soft Skills

GUEST BLOG

This is the first of what I hope to be several guest blogs and was contributed by Dacia Brown, Talent Recruiting Specialist with Emprise Bank.  Dacia graduated from WSU in May 2011 with a BS in Criminal Justice.

Let’s face it: most of us are not social extroverts. We all know the type- the individuals who have never met a stranger and feel comfortable in any new or awkward situation they get thrown into. In the time it takes you to introduce yourself to one person at a social gathering, this person has not only introduced themselves to two or three people; but has also learned the names of their new acquaintance’s children, grandchildren, grade-school best friend, and pet fish. These people have no shortage of friends, and probably know many of the key players in the professional community.

Chances are these “social butterflies” have no difficulty in job interviews. The social skills they display in their everyday lives are also being put to use when they go on an interview.  They show appropriate interest in their interviewer, have an open and friendly personality, and show confidence without coming off as arrogant.

Here’s an example. Candidate #1 and candidate #2 are up for the same position at the same company. Both candidates meet the qualifications for the position, have researched the company, and reviewed the key responsibilities of the job. Candidate #1 is called in from the waiting room and offers a split second of eye contact and a small smile. He or she offers a simple “fine” when asked how their day is going, and makes no attempt at returning the small talk. It may not be the case, but this candidate has given their interviewer the impression that instead of interviewing for their dream job, they would rather be on their couch eating a bag of chips and watching daytime TV.

Candidate #2 is called in next. Introductions are made, and the candidate immediately shows (appropriate) interest in their new “acquaintance”; asks them how their day is going, comments on the weather, etc. The tone of voice is positive and upbeat, and the recruiter is looking forward to spending the next hour (or more) of their day with them.

If scenario one seems familiar to you, small daily changes can be made to improve these skills. Goals can include introducing yourself to one new person a day, or just by making a regular habit of finding out something new about a current co-worker or friend.

Observe the social butterfly in your life next time you’re out together. When they’re meeting someone, they are leaning slightly forward, offering them a firm handshake, making eye contact, and giving a genuine smile. They’ve made their new contact want to get to know them. That should be your ultimate goal in your next interview. These soft skills are an integral part of the interview process and can make or break your chances of landing your dream job.

Dacia L. Brown, Talent Recruiting Specialist, Emprise Bank