Be Polite to Everyone at Your Job Interview

It is possible to win a job simply by being likeable.

Hiring managers want to find someone that is a good fit for the company. They need someone that can come in and do their job effectively. Yet the truth is that most jobs can be completed effectively by someone with even a little bit of knowledge in the area. Intelligent people, especially, can succeed in almost any role, even if they do not have the experience the job requests. Interviewers need to look at more than just experience when looking for good candidates.

Being Likeable

One of those qualities is your likeability. The more someone likes you, the more they can see you as a contributing employee on a daily basis. They may be willing to purposely overlook flaws, knowing that they, and the rest of the staff, get the opportunity to work with you every day.

There are a lot of ways to be likeable:

• Smile and introduce yourself to the people you meet.
• Be friendly, listen, and appreciate the conversation.
• Show off your intelligence and be respectful, etc.

There are a million ways to be likeable, but not all of them come naturally. One way that is entirely in your control, however, is how polite you are.

Be Polite to Everyone

Throughout your interview, be polite to everyone you meet. When the front desk clerk calls the hiring manager to let them know you have arrived, thank them. If someone hands you a coffee, thank them. If it looks like someone needs to go through the door before or after you, hold the door open for them. When you leave after the interview, say goodbye to the same front desk clerk that you spoke to coming in. Every chance you have to be polite you take it. Politeness is instantly likeable. Everyone you are polite to will be happy you were there, even if they don’t know who you are.

You may not be able to control every aspect of being likeable, but politeness is entirely with your control. Be as polite as possible to everyone you meet or see throughout your interview.

Take Away Interview Tips

• Be polite.