Recruiters are also people and are subject to psychological influence. We will not teach you how to manipulate people, but we will tell you about harmless psychological tricks based on scientific research.
Choose the proper time for the interview
The best time for an interview is the time convenient for the recruiter. If HR proposes to choose an hour for an interview yourself, act cunningly and consider the time that will be comfortable for the recruiter. Glassdoor research claims that it is better not to make appointments at the very beginning or end of the working day and in the afternoon. Also try to shift interviews from Friday, Monday, pre- and post holidays.
Dress in blue
A survey conducted by CareerBuilder among recruiters and HR showed that the color of clothing affects the impression of a person. 23% of interviewers recommend using blue in the wardrobe because it is the color of team players. 15% believe that black characterizes leaders. The worst color for clothes for an interview is orange shades, according to 25% of HR.
Choose the right photo for the resume
According to the survey, more than 71% of managers believe that a well-chosen photo for a resume increases your chances of taking a vacant place several times. At the same time, about half of them are convinced that high-quality photography can help all applicants, regardless of the position they are applying for. Luckily there are now a lot of helpful services allowing you to take photos for various purposes either for passports or visas where government compliant photos are required or for any other official papers.
Copy gestures
Most are aware of “mirroring”: unconsciously mimicking an interlocutor’s poses and gestures fosters rapport. Copying a person’s gestures should look like dancing with him. Remember common sense and do not copy the movements too clearly.
Make compliments
University of Florida and Washington researchers studied how interview tactics affect recruiters’ impressions. HR values candidates who emphasize company achievements, not just self-promotion, as per a notable finding. Prove that you want to work here and why; you say a few nice words about the company and HR for his work.
Do not lie about flaws
Recruiters are well aware that everyone has weaknesses, so it is better to be honest. Admit, for example, that it is not easy for you to organize yourself in the morning, but you make daily plans and therefore productivity does not suffer. Or you do not like to talk on the phone. But you are always ready to solve questions in correspondence and answer emails within 5 minutes. Have you noticed the trick? In each example, we have added information about how you struggle with weaknesses and why they do not interfere with work. Be sure to do the same if the recruiter asks you to talk about your weaknesses.
Think about leadership experience
It turns out that even a little experience of leading people dramatically contributes to our self-confidence, and what is even more surprising – the memories of this experience also work.
Boost confidence before the interview by recalling leadership roles: school math club captain, clean-up day organizer, and project team leader. By the way, do not forget to add this leadership experience to your resume.
Focus on the potential
At the interview, focus not on telling about your past achievements. But on the skills that will bring a result to a future employer – show how you will be helpful to the company.
During some studies, the participants received information about a hypothetical job candidate: half of the people were told that the applicant had two years of work experience and a high score on the leadership exam; the rest were convinced that the candidate had no experience but received a high score on the leadership potential test. The results showed that the participants considered a person with more potential, rather than experience, more suitable for the position. So, experience does not solve everything!
Prepare for uncomfortable questions
Perhaps the recruiter will not ask you about the reasons for a long break from work or leaving the last place. But it is better to be prepared for the worst and prepare answers to unpleasant questions in advance.
Answering a question, for example, about dismissal, do not linger on the reasons. But go on to discuss the positive aspects that you have learned from the situation. For example, they took a fresh look at their career plan, worked out mistakes, and decided to learn new skills. Try to turn all negative situations into your strengths and points of growth at the interview (and in life).
Be inspired
Candidates who actively demonstrate enthusiasm are more likely to receive an offer than less emotional applicants.
A burning desire to work is visible not only in the “burning eyes”, but also in the voice: energetic speech, lowering and raising the tone are indicators of excitement in the good sense of the word and that a person is impatient to get to work. Cold calmness and measured pace of speech do not mean that the candidate does not want to work in the company, but it is better to show a healthy amount of enthusiasm in front of the recruiter.
Ask why you were invited
The question “Why did you invite me for an interview today?” will definitely be remembered by the recruiter and will distinguish you from other candidates. Such a question positively influences the further decision about your candidacy. You make the recruiter talk about your merits, praise you, and also show that you are not a timid person.
