Get That Job! (Part three – Energy)

Here is an excellent example of how important personal energy is during the interview.

The person who got the receptionist job I was talking about in my earlier blog has great energy. At her interview she smiled a lot. She exhibited passion for things she’s done in her life. She was forthcoming and vibrant. Basically, she had a personality and she let it show. The interview is the time to do that. That doesn’t mean to criticize or tell jokes the entire time, however.

Another thing she did that made her stand out was to learn the name of her interviewer, get a business card and send a follow up email. A follow up email keeps an interviewee in an interviewer’s mind, and makes them more memorable. When a candidate takes the time to do that, they show that they really are interested in the job.

When interviewing people, I also need to know that a candidate’s energy is going to work within our company and with our team. Let’s face it, someone that is angry about the hand they’ve been dealt in life is not going to be the best person on the phone with customers. I am not saying you can’t be angry. I am saying, you need to not bring it the interview with you, and ultimately, to any job you get. Imagine putting it in a little container and closing the container. I want to see and feel positive energy, not negative.

As employers, we do realize that the job market is tough right now and that a lot of people need a job. When I ask the question, “Why should we hire you?” the answer we hear sometimes is, “Because I need a job.” Going on about your personal problems is not going to help get you a job. I’m sorry. I truly am. It’s heartbreaking because I would love to hire everyone, and I can’t. I must make the best choices for the company. I need to hire someone that is right for the position and right for our team. I need you to tell me how you are the best qualified candidate for the job.

So to sum it up, it doesn’t matter if you are given 5 minutes or an hour, be prepared, presentable and have a personality. This is your big chance to “WOW!” me.

Good luck!