More on Interviews.. the First Critical Minutes

According to Sherkin, the most critical factors we must keep in mind during the first few critical minutes of an introduction are:

• Messages are sent out consciously and unconsciously.

• Immediate judgments are made-- sometimes even before you open your mouth re: your background e.g. cultural, religious, sociopolitical status, psychological wellbeing, job status, economic status,, birth location/country of origin, various countries lived in and current geographic status, etc..

• “Communication Key Tells” are always the major non -communicative events. They are the interpersonal signs that you give out more often than you ever thought possible.

Interview strategies

More tips for developing rapport and building blocks for success in interviews.

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.

Pay attention to what takes place in the dialogue. I recommend you get to know their agenda- do your research about them before introductions happen re: their interests. Google them first to research their involvement in the business sector/ industry, community involvements, achievements, publications written, etc… and familiarize yourself with them so you can bring these topics up in the discussion at the appropriate time.

In your interview, try to get a sense of the person regarding how they make you feel and how you make them feel. I suggest you “read them”- conduct an emotional read- to see if they are they engaged in your PAR ( Problem ,Action taken and Results achieved stories)or SAR (Situation, Action and Result stories)-- the telling of your success examples/ accomplishments. Try to determine what their reaction was – by their body language, facial expression, and tone of voice.