The Likeability Factor ? Do You Have It?

Growing up, we all had a mental picture of the perfect life partner The person we thought would be our happily-ever-after -- a person with a perfect smile, beautiful eyes, and an adorable button nose. Fast forward to reality and who did you wind up with?

Chances are that if your partner of choice happens to be male, you ended up with a guy who is shorter than you expected, has less hair than you anticipated, but overall is a pretty neat fellow. And if you're interested in women, chances are that the woman you ended up with isn't as curvaceous as you dreamed, but overall is a very special person.

The truth is that no matter what you envisioned, you bought into what your partner was offering. Although he or she didn't meet all of your set criteria, they met the most important one -- they are good people -- and that is why you chose their companionship.

When it comes to hiring decisions, recruiters aren't any different. Realizing that one candidate isn't going to meet all the criteria in the job description, the recruiter buys into the person as a whole -- not one characteristic, accomplishment, or degree. After all is said and done, hiring decisions, for the most part, are based on whether or not the candidate is likeable.

What most don't understand is that likeability is more than the knack for getting others to hang out with you after work and share a couple of beers. This is why most interviews are challenging. Not only do you have to demonstrate that you are technically capable of doing the job, you must go a step further and impress the recruiter with your professional makeup -- that is, your ability to be assertive, focused, and versatile.

Assertiveness

When done right, assertive behavior is a nice balance between self-assurance and cockiness. This attribute can be a driving force during an interview because the person sitting across from you can't help but be drawn to you, and therefore begins to respond to your ideas, thoughts, and words. Coming across as assertive leaves the listener the impression that you are confident in who you are as a professional; and that attribute wins job offers.

Focus

Believe it or not, most interviewers dislike going through the motions of hiring, just as much as candidates dislike going on interview after interview. For this reason, a huge part of a successful interview is based on your ability to focus your responses on results. In doing so, you bring clarity to the conversation and help connect the dots for the interviewer. This is an important point because there are times when interviewers don't fully understand how your marketable skills can easily transfer to the open position.

When the interviewer begins to buy into your experience, you automatically become more appealing, and -- in the eyes of the interviewer -- the most qualified candidate.

Versatility

Interviewers seek candidates who have a broad perspective and aren't stuck in their way of doing things. Individuals who are versatile are natural-born achievers and are recognized for being forward thinking, flexible, and resourceful. These attributes interest organizations since the candidates who are adaptable will more than likely flourish in any circumstance.

Too often, job seekers overlook the likeability factor. The reason? It's always easier to lay the blame on a hiring manager than to take a personal inventory of how you are affecting your job search. Though it is true that sometimes hiring decisions are based on factors beyond your control, there are occasions when it comes down to whether or not you made a positive first impression.

About The Author

Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is president of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.

---

Getting the Universe to Work for You

Wouldn't it be great to know that you have something... Read More

How to Make Self-Improvement Work Every Time!

There is an inherent problem with the approach most people... Read More

Turn Whats Bothering You Into A Blessing

That which you desire to remove from your life is... Read More

How to be Successful in Life or Small Business!

Not everyone is programmed to be a successful businessperson, many... Read More

Successful Living: 9 Universal Laws

1. The Law of BalanceI got an email from a... Read More

Coping As A Caregiver

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved... Read More

Appreciation Attracts Prosperity

Did you know that appreciation is one of the most... Read More

Small Steps And Golden Stones

It was a long walk but someone had to do... Read More

Intuition and Instinct, Our Friends

Say the word 'intuition,' and some cringe. It sounds too... Read More

Does Size Matter?

Bigger is better. Isn't that the American dream?Why buy a... Read More

Blushing

Blushing can be a curse. Blushers experience a range of... Read More

Mental, Emotional and Physical Prosperity

To create true, lasting prosperity, almost any guru can tell... Read More

Create Your Best Life

"You can create what you want in life; first you... Read More

So, The Thing Is... We Reap What We Sow

So, the thing is? we reap what we sow.A few... Read More

How To Put An End To Rejection

Rejection is one of the most painful experiences in relationships.... Read More

Emotional Alchemy

See if this scenario sounds familiar. You're under a lot... Read More

A Story Of Unbelievable Persistence

Dick and Jay sat on the ground outside the shed.... Read More

Attraction Tools for Success: Manifesting Your Intentions

There are several books now that discuss the power of... Read More

A New Beginning With The People At Work

There's a big opportunity here! The holidays bring a change... Read More

Antagonists And Fear

It is important to have your own values, beliefs and... Read More

You, Your Dream, Your Destination, and Your Life

Introduction"Where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the... Read More

Just Allow? But How?

If you've been practising the Law of Attraction, then you're... Read More

Putting Yourself on the Road to Success

What separates successful people from unsuccessful people, achievers from non-achievers,... Read More

Be Not Afraid of Greatness

Have you noticed how the workplace seems to be a... Read More

Communication Expert Reveals 5 Keys To Self Expression Without Limits

Peter Murphy recently interviewed communication expert John Barker. John is... Read More

Cop Some Tude!

Do you express your gratitude enough? I know I don't.... Read More

The Power of Perspective

You limit yourself. Yes, it is true. Each day you... Read More

Five Ways To Create On Purpose By Living In The Moment

What can you do to really immerse yourself into living... Read More

Opportunity Knocks 1000 Times

You've heard people say that opportunity only knocks once. I... Read More

Raw Love

We are all different. We are all the same. Whereas... Read More

The Art of Manifestation

There are times in life when we wish to create... Read More

5 Powerful Steps To Unleashing Your Creative Self

There is a thread of certainty that runs through many... Read More

What the Samurai Can Teach Us About Self-Improvement

A Seventeenth Century Samurai maxim states:"A man who has attained... Read More