Interview Strategies and Introductions…. The First Few Critical Minutes..

I recently attended a seminar re: persuasive communication skills for business owners with Suzanne Sherkin, CPO Highborn Communications on”The Power of Presence” and came away with some lasting thoughts. I believe that introductions, especially in interviews, are like first dates in their dynamics, because snap judgments are made in the first few minutes of the encounter. Here of some of my lasting thoughts:

1- Practice and hone your personal technique to encourage the colleague or interviewer to listen- encourage them to listen empathically by engaging their hearts in your dialogue with them
2- People will remember how you make them feel- not what you say…Treat them like they are the most special person in the world- like they are the CEO of the company. Try to honor and respect them in a genuine and caring way.
3- Focus on how you will pay attention to what the real needs of the company/organization are and communicate acknowledgement of these needs. This is the first step in creating /building a vital relationship.
4- Timing is critical in the introduction of the interview- it starts/ begins with (and your chance can be lost right there by their first impression of you), simply by failing to ignite a spark of dynamic interactivity between you and the interviewer.


More lasting thoughts to come in the next post....