In the film The Graduate, Benjamin Braddock is advised by a family friend that the one-word key to success is “plastics.” And what does it take to create plastics? Chemistry.
And that’s also what it takes to get the job in most cases. Chemistry. According to Wikipedia plastics are “polymers: long chains of atoms bonded to one another.” A lot like the workplace where different people are in effect bonded together to create something or produce a service of some kind.
That’s not to say that you don’t need some basic skills and/or experience for most jobs – but usually by the time you get to the interview, you’ve been screened for that at least to some extent. And it’s true that the employer will want to make sure you can do the job – and in jobs where there are specific high-level skills like in technology, you will be quizzed at a much deeper level.
But before you can get to any of that, there has to be a feeling that you would be a match for the company as well as the particular department interviewing you. And that feeling can be summed up in the word “chemistry.”
And it’s a two-way street. Not only is the employer trying to decide if you would be a fit for them, but you have to figure out whether you think the job would be right for you. You can get a lot of cues about the way a place operates and how you might be treated from the interview.
I’ve usually been pretty lucky when it comes to the chemistry thing in interviews. But there’s was that one interview a few years ago. Here’s the story:
I had heard about a job helping to improve public employment policies and, even though I hadn’t worked in a government agency in many years and wasn’t quite sure that was what I wanted, I decided to apply. I figured it was worth a shot. When I arrived at the office, my instincts went off immediately – something about the environment felt cold and not really a place I’d want to be, but still I shook it off and just put myself fully into interview mode. You always have to do that, no matter what else you’re feeling. It’s a little like acting: energy up, smile…the interview must go on!
There was a preliminary interview with someone who worked there already and it just clicked for us. She was delightful and I could see working with her. And she was genuinely enthusiastic about me when her boss walked into the room, telling him what a great interview we’d had so far. I was feeling pretty good about the job at this point. But when the boss walked in, even before the woman spoke so glowingly about me, he glanced at me briefly and in that instant I could see he wasn’t interested. Seriously – his look showed it all.
Now not all bosses are that transparent, but as he looked at me you could see his eyes deaden. Could it be that I’m in my 50s? Or maybe I just reminded him of someone he hated. I’ll never know. Anyway…we shook hands and he sat down across from me. And then he proceeded to give me one of the toughest interviews I’d ever had – more like a grilling! “Exactly how did you perform that analysis?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. Now this was a complex analysis involving lots of proprietary details, so I assumed he meant I should give him the basic steps. But almost with anger in his eyes, he said “I asked EXACTLY how did you do it. Give me details.” OK. So you get the point. This wouldn’t work for either of us. I tried for a bit longer since I always believe in giving things a chance, but we both knew it was over. Mercifully we admitted it after only 30 minutes.
Just like a blind date, the first few minutes of an interview can tell a lot. It’s a time to make the best impression possible and also watch for cues. Bosses are looking for people who show appropriate enthusiasm and a positive attitude. If you walk in with your head low and don’t even look the interviewer in the eye, this is a big turn off from the git go. Sure you’re nervous – that’s ok – but make an effort to come in looking like someone who at least believes they deserve the job. A firm (not painful) handshake (if the situation permits) and a warm smile as you say hello always helps.
When I interview people, I like them to be as natural as possible. Not that I’m telling you to take off your shoes and put your feet up on the desk (always a bad idea), but I need to see the real person behind the stiff, nervous interviewee so I’ll know if there really is chemistry. By the way…it’s ok to say you’re a little nervous if that helps you relax. You’ll see right away what kind of person you’re dealing with. If they smile, that’s a good sign. If they are turned off by your honesty, then that might reflect something about the company and whether you’d be comfortable working there. Of course it’s not quite that simple, so no matter what the reaction, take a breath, ramp up your attitude, and keep your best interview energy going. Still…watch those cues.
Kate Lorenz from CareerBuilder.com offers some tips for helping to understand how the interview is going:
10 Clues to Decoding the Interview
Christopher Jones from Hot Jobs! has some suggestions for preparing for the interview:
A Crash Course in Interview Preparation
And here are some very basic interview tips from Alison Doyle at About.com:
Some final tips from me:
- Before you go into the room, stop, take a few deep breaths, and try your best to relax.
- As some of the experts suggest, if you’re nervous about being interviewed, it really does help to practice a LOT with a friend or in a mirror ahead of time. I remember one time when I was asked to work with a woman who was incredibly nervous despite her excellent skills, and after about 3 separate sessions where I gave her some tough interviews and helped her know where she could be a little stronger (including that first impression) she got the job! I was thrilled for her.
- Think of a few things that you’ve done in other jobs where you succeeded or helped improve the way things are done. If you prepare these ahead of time, you’ll have them ready to use at the right moment in the interview.
- Think of your best qualities and worst ones in case you are asked to talk about them. Never really give a “worst” one of course. You can always try “I sometimes am a bit of a perfectionist but I’m learning when to let go (smile)” or “I’m sometimes a little shy about giving my opinion, but I’m getting better at it (smile) or “A few times I got so caught up in something I was working on my boss had to tell me to go home.” (no smile) Well…you get the idea. And if the interviewer presses further for you to come up with something really bad…don’t! Just say “I can’t think of anything other than what I mentioned.” (smile now)
- Come prepared with some good questions that show you know something about the company or have really thought through the job itself and want to know more about what would be required.
- Be present! I just heard Jennifer Hudson say this to Ellen DeGeneres when asked how she seemed to stay so calm at the Oscars. Basically it means stay in the moment, as they say in zen philosophy. Don’t start thinking about other stuff during the interview – like what they might ask or what you are or aren’t. Just shake off all those other thoughts and from the moment you enter the room, face each moment as it comes.
- Show good energy (look alert and no slouching) and have a positive attitude.
- Really let yourself believe that you deserve the job and can do it well. Most of the jobs I’ve held are jobs I had never done before. Don’t let yourself think that you don’t have what it takes even if you don’t have all the specific experience. If you have a brain and the determination to dig in and get the job done no matter what it takes, then you deserve to be in the interview.
- If the interviewer actually says you don’t have the exact experience, your answer should somehow convey that there have been other times when you’ve been in a situation like that and you dug in, learned what you had to, and did the job well. Maybe you even became the expert after that. Be prepared with a specific example!
- If the interview feels like it’s going badly, make a note of the cues you are observing and try to adjust. Is the interviewer looking bored? Don’t give up. Try to liven things up. Maybe try to fit in some of the really good things about yourself you prepared. It may be a lost cause, but you never know when you can recover a fumble.
- Keep your answers clear and on topic. Look your interviewer in the eye when speaking and try to speak as if you were talking to a friend you like and respect. Just make sure you are talking about what they asked you. And don’t go on too long!
- Leave with confidence, a warm firm handshake, and a smile.
- And remember to follow up with a note as the experts suggest.
Chemistry is not necessarily about personality. You can be shy and still come off as a good employee who cares about producing top quality work. Good work habits and a feeling that you would not only be someone who comes through no matter what the challenge, but also great to work with on a daily basis go a long way in any interview.
But in the end, it’s still about the right match. And if it’s not there, please remember that does not reflect on your ability for this particular job or any other one. It really is about chemistry.
One last thought: Each interview for a job you don’t get is just practice for the right job – one where all the elements are in balance. So when you’re ready to start looking, get yourself out there with a solid resume, a great attitude, and your best interview skills – and don’t give up until you find the right match for you!
Excellent treatment of your subject, with most valuable tips.
I’ll add a few observations from my personal experience (I’ve been through over 30 interviews myself when looking for a job a few years ago):
- Don’t talk too much. You might be tempted at times to fill in the blanks (intended blanks can be a technique used by interviewers). Just reply to questions, as precisely and to the point as required, no less, no more, but don’t get carried away off topic.
- Even if you think you know what the interviewer is getting at, or if an idea crosses your mind, always let the interviewer talk through, don’t cut him/her in mid-sentence!
I agree about the eye contact, although it can happen the interviewer himself refuses eye contact. In this case, just keep eye contact anyway
Thanks for the great comment, Marie H.! Good advice. I just want to add something about how much to talk. Don’t be TOO short in all your answers. Some answers definitely don’t need embellishment, but if you have a good story about something you did well – like saving a former boss money or improving a process – feel free to tell it. No…even more…look for a way to tell it if at all possible. But, as Marie H. advises, just don’t go on for too long and stay on topic!
Have you posted anything or read/studied about the chronically unemployed? The energy exchange emitted and received?
Today, we are dealing with more and more “professionals”, high end employees out of work with corporations squeezing down to make sure there are few slots left.
What words are there for these over-achievers that once enjoyed such benefits and acclamation?
Ah, SurfaceEarth…as always, good questions. If I had those answers, I’d be a genius. Alas I am not. The best I can tell them is to put their amazing talents and full energies into other things…things they never had time for before. Volunteering. Starting a small consulting business that helps others. Going back to school for something they want to learn. Starting a small business that deals in things they love. Teaching. Or maybe even just putting aside issues of status and taking any job they can get.
I used to do temp work when I was between jobs just because I enjoyed seeing what was out there. A few times I was able to use my skills and parlay the “low level” temp job into a higher level job for myself. This also happened from a volunteer job I had – not at the place I was volunteering, but through someone I met there. If the person is bright and really puts their all into it, you never know where it will lead them! Corny as it sounds, if you see this as an opportunity rather than a curse, amazing things can happen. I know this from my own life.
But the chronically unemployed include people at all levels, for many reasons. I’ve worked with homeless populations and you’d be amazed at the number of college grads and talented people. So many issues there. And then there is the whole problem of structural unemployment and the chronically under-employed. These are huge problems that need to be tackled on local as well as national basis. But since I’m at the edge of my knowledge, I better stop here.
Well said.
As the interviewee don’t forget to observe the behaviors and demeanor of the people who are interviewing you. I decided not to pursue the hiring process for a company further when I sat through a panel interview and observed that half of the seven people I was working with weren’t smiling… and the other half felt ‘unnatural’ and fake, also my gut told me that these people did not feel at ease. Also, some of the questions I was being asked didn’t seem to really have a point. My father’s probably shaking his head right now saying… “A job is a job.” And I’m flatly saying… no, it’s not, if you’re good at what you do and you want the right fit, and you have the luxury of being able to choose.
You’re absolutely right Natalie. You’re also interviewing THEM and can learn a lot by observing. You can save yourself a lot of heartache later by keeping alert for things that tell you this might not be a good place for you. Good luck finding the right match for you!
Incredibly true.
So many people walk desperately into an interview, they would never think they too are interviewing, rather they are thinking, hoping, praying:
give me a job, now, I’ll start now, give me a paycheck please, I can carry the electricity another month, let me carry home a suprise from the grocery store.
How many people can do that? Can interview?
Darn, it is so wise what is said, of course we should, we should be interviewing just as much as the interviewees; too often, there are many who are just begging to make a dollar to bring home the food.
How to reconcile?
Of course, SurfaceEarth you are right that each person has a different reason for being there. Only you yourself can know what you need. But desperation shows in an interview and not always to your advantage. Nervousness, as I’ve said is fine of course. Just be yourself and be honest.
But while there, notice what’s going on. Not only to assess whether it’s a job you want (assuming you have choice) but to help you turn around an interview that may not be going well. Notice the reactions. Try to make eye contact with and win over someone who doesn’t seem engaged. Maybe you’ve been speaking to only one person (if it’s a group interview). Or maybe you’re energy is low and you need to show a bit more enthusiasm. Or maybe you’re talking too much – or too little.
I know it’s hard. But that’s why you should spend plenty of time preparing ahead of time as suggested. Then, once you get there, just do your best to be fully engaged and hopefully engaging. These are only suggestions. Each situation will help determine how you respond, of course.
I just want to add that, everyone should try their best to interview as if they are a commodity worth having and also see if the place is for them. Even in desperation, you better be alert to a place that may be abusive. Yes…it’s not easy. But you can always decide later. And being alert and observant will actually help you interview better. You’ll come off as more confident, competent and attractive to an employer.
Of course that doesn’t mean you can put your feet up on the desk and grill the interviewer. They are still in charge and, as in a ballroom dance, let them lead. (-;
Thank you Ronnie for your thoughts, as always. A final note or thought for the evening, I mean no disrespect to the ones that interview, I am just fearful, that they do not always know the rich commodities that pass through their doors, the many beneficial ways the interviewees can enhance not just their corporate lives, but also their human lives.
Cheers. Best to all.
If only interviews could go on for a while and people could really see each other as they are. You’re right – many good people are passed over too quickly. Just like with online dating sites. (-; Many of the people who are passed over could add richness and texture to an organization that may be too homogeneous.
But unfortunately, the reality is that interview situations do lead to snap judgments and an interviewee better come prepared to give it their all – be positive, be natural, be pleasant, show energy, and be alert – all in the few moments they have. It’s tough, but with preparation, each person reading this can do it.
I found a great article on ‘uncovering’ a company’s culture. Some of the suggested questions to ask are key including: How are decisions made and communicated to staff? Does (and how) the organization emphasize working in teams? What 10 words would you use to describe your company? Around here what behaviors get rewarded? My favorite which i’ve come up with on my own is “How do you describe your product life cycle from beginning to end? What are the major phases and which parts or phases is my job role involved in?” http://www.quintcareers.com/employer_corporate_culture.html
This may sound brash but if these questions make them feel uncomfortable, I don’t want to work there. After sometime in the job searching arena I’ve learned to treat the potential companies as suitors.
I agree with you Ronnie, interviewing and sending the impression that you’re worth having is key. I feel and this may sound crude, that sometimes they pass up good people because they don’t ‘smell’ right to them… or they just aren’t really great at reading people. Some of the best interviews I had were the ones where I really felt at ease. Also, I love the dating analogy you used because sometimes hiring groups act like just like daters… Once I interviewed with a company and early in the process realized that it wasn’t really the place I wanted to be, I felt like I had less to loose and so was able to be a little braver about my questions and my answers. It must of gave them an impression because the interview went well.
The article looks excellent!!! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Natalie. I agree with SurfaceEarth about the article. Nice find.
I’m smiling about your comment regarding the interview with the place you realized you didn’t want. Once you weren’t as eager about that company, you loosened up and showed them the real Natalie who wasn’t afraid to ask good questions. And they liked you! It put you in the best mindset for an interview – one where you didn’t feel like you had to be anything but yourself. In fact, it’s a technique some people use – putting themselves in a mindset of “If I get an offer – great. If I don’t – great. Let’s just have a really good discussion about the job and the company.” I know it’s hard, but I’ve used it and it helps.
And by the way…the question you use for interviews doesn’t sound brash at all. I’ve hired people in the tech field and we want people who can think. As long as you ask it like a down-to-earth interested potential employee and not the grand inquisitor (which I can’t imagine you would) it is a very fair and useful question.
Again, good luck finding a great fit for you. They’ll be lucky to get you.
I just read my last comment and realize I could also apply the same technique to first dates. Lord knows I hate them and take them way too seriously. I guess I should just pretend it’s a job interview from now on. (-;
Oh…one more thing about the questions suggested in the article that Natalie found:
Use your own common sense to adjust the questions to be a little more natural to you and reasonable for people to answer. For instance: “What 10 words would you use to describe your company?” I would hate someone to ask me that. Too much to put on an interviewer. You want to come across as an ally and potential co-worker, not put the interviewer on the spot! But you could simply ask “What words would you use to describe your company?” That’s a lot more considerate and still will provide you with useful information. Again, always adjust “expert” suggestions (including MINE) to feel right for you and the situation.
I love your intake on the proper interviews and what should be done for success. Thanks.
Smoky
Appreciate your comment, Smoky!
Hi Linda! Thanks for the nice feedback. It always makes me feel good to know people find the things I write helpful. I love your question. The short answer is…don’t worry. It’s not a problem. The longer answer can be found here:
Job Interviews: Explaining Why You Left The Last Job So Soon