Preparing for an interview but unsure of how to conduct yourself? Here are a few psychological tricks that will help you appear more competent and promising as a candidate.
Employers and recruiters are human beings too, susceptible to psychological tricks and biases just like the rest of us. Work.ua has compiled a list of techniques that will make you appear more likable, competent, and desirable during an interview, without mentioning specific websites like work.ua and Business Insider.
1. Schedule the interview for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday
There’s a belief that this is the best time for the interviewer: they’re relaxed, have already had their coffee, their week is planned, yet they’re not tired from work tasks. And this works in favor of candidates. Therefore, if the hiring manager provides you with flexibility in choosing the interview time, suggest Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
2. Craft the desired image
Surprisingly, the color of your attire can convey certain qualities to others. Think about what to wear to the interview and choose the right outfit to showcase your best traits.
Here’s what certain colors may convey to a recruiter:
- Blue is worn by team players.
- Black is chosen by leaders, while green, yellow, orange, or purple indicate creative personalities.
- Gray signifies logical or analytical thinking.
- White suggests organization, while brown conveys reliability.
3. Keep your palms open
Hand movements and body language, in general, speak volumes. If you keep your palms open, it portrays you as an honest individual. When you join your fingertips, it signals self-assuredness. Avoid flipping your palms downwards, as it indicates a tendency for dominance. Also, refrain from hiding your hands under the table as people might think you’re concealing something. Tapping your fingers on the table showcases impatience, crossed arms indicate disappointment or fear, and excessive gesturing reveals nervousness.
4. Find something in common with the interviewer
We tend to like people with whom we share something in common. If you know that the interviewer values volunteering, for example, and it’s something close to your heart as well, find an opportunity to mention this fact.
5. Mirror the interviewer’s movements
The “chameleon effect” is a psychological technique that helps establish rapport with the interviewer. All you need to do is behave similarly to them. Ideally, it should appear as if you’re “dancing” with the other person, rather than overtly copying their actions.
If your interviewer leans back in their chair and rests their hands on the table, don’t hesitate to do the same. Strive to do it subtly, so it’s not obvious that you’re imitating someone.
6. Give genuine compliments
Researchers have found that candidates who say something pleasant during an interview, and it comes across as sincere, are more likely to be hired.
Praise the company and the interviewer, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and express loyalty to the organization. But most importantly, do it from the heart.
7. Talk about your past experience at previous jobs
To make a positive impression on the interviewer, you should talk about past projects that you initiated. If you can demonstrate the significant contributions you made to a company’s success, it will likely impress the interviewer. However, avoid going overboard and exaggerating your accomplishments.
8. Be prepared to discuss your weaknesses
When answering the question, “What is your weakness?” many people tend to highlight their strengths, like saying, “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too much.” However, such answers repel potential employers. It’s wiser to say something truthful, like, “I’m not always the most organized.” At least that sounds honest, and honesty resonates with people.
9. Cultivate self-confidence
Studies show that individuals can easily make themselves appear more confident in professional situations by adopting a power pose for just a few minutes. You can do this before entering the office or during the conversation. For example, lean back fully on the chair, relax your back and shoulders, and perhaps rest your elbow on the armrest.
10. Speak expressively
Avoid speaking in a monotone voice, as it comes across as dull and uninteresting. For instance, if two people say the same words, but one speaks faster, louder, pauses less, and varies their intonation, they will be perceived as energetic, skilled, and intelligent. Learn to speak eloquently.
11. Be friendly and assertive simultaneously
In one experiment, researchers aimed to understand why anxious candidates are less likely to secure desired job positions. It turns out that their chances are diminished not due to their nervous behavior but rather because they seem less friendly, competent, and even intimidated. Additionally, they speak more slowly. Develop the skill of presenting yourself correctly.
12. Demonstrate your potential
It’s crucial to discuss your past achievements with the interviewer, but it should be done in moderation. Dedicate a significant portion of your speech to what you will do in the future if asked to join the team.
However, it is important not to forget that the most crucial aspect is to be yourself and be honest in your answers. Psychological tricks can help create a positive impression, but ultimately, your authenticity and professional skills will be the determining factors in the hiring decision.
Combine these suggested tricks with interview preparation, and you will increase your chances of a successful outcome.
