Page 151 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

144 Nail the Job Interview!

may come out to meet you. Either way, stand up to your full height before
you tale a step. Look alert, forceful, and energetic. If the interviewer
comes out to meet you, walk over and shake his or her hand firmly.
If you are sent to a room where the interviewer is standing, walk
toward him and shale hands. If he is seated an'd does not look up, stand
up, or offer a handshake, you should wait a moment and then sit down.
However, wait for the interviewer to initiate the conversation.

Project Dynamism

Applicants invited to an employment interview have already been
screened in. The employer believes they possess at least the basic quali-
fications for the job, such as education and work experience. At this point
the employer will look for several qualities in the candidates that were not
discernable from paper qualifications - credibility, intelligence, compe-
tence, spontaneity, friendliness, likability, and. enthusiasm. In the end,
employers hire people whom they like and believe will interact well on an
interpersonal basis with the rest of the staff.
Your enthusiasm is one of the most important qualities you can
convey. In fact, studies indicate that three major components define
credibility: expertise, trustworthiness, and dynamism. The first two
components we can all relate to readily. We latow we must be perceived
as competent and honest. But dynamism - that's news to many job
seekers. What it means is that you need to be ;i dynamic individual who
exudes enthusiasm and drive. A dynamic perscm is more believable than
one who comes across in a flat, low key manner. He also conveys the
impression that he is a doer, someone who can get things done. So you
need to let your enthusiasm show. Granted this can be overdone, but try
to project yourself in a dynamic manner.
The following are some nonverbal behaviors that will reinforce what
you say in a positive and dynamic way.

. Lean slightly into the interview. If you sit with a slight
forward lean toward the interviewer it communicates your
interest in what the interviewer is saying as well as in the
interview proceedings. Your forward lean should be so slight as
to be almost imperceptible. Be careful not to overdo this. You do
not want it to be so obvious the behavior calls attention to itself.