When it comes to job interviews, a candidate's qualifications and experience matter a great deal. However, in order to outshine other equally qualified -- or better qualified -- candidates, you have to bring something more to the table.
Yes, knowing someone who knows someone else can improve your odds. But chances are you will eventually apply for a job at a company at which none of your friends, acquaintances, or friends of friends work. Luckily, though, you can still land a job without networking.
Here's my secret to increasing your chances of getting the job exponentially:
Connect with the interviewer on a personal level.
Let's say my interviewer's name is Stacy. At some point in the interview (usually toward the end), I might tell her that I had a very close friend in college with the same name.
Or, I might see a sticker on her filing cabinet that says "Born in New York" and say that I have several friends from the Big Apple.
Further, most people tend to decorate their office with things that represent their interests. If you can relate to any of them -- say, he appears to be a Mets fan or avid gardener like you -- be sure to bring it up during the interview.
One word of caution: Don't stretch the truth so much that you wouldn't be able to hold a conversation on said subject matter. For example, if you know nothing about sports, don't say you're a huge baseball fan just because you determined the interview is one. If he starts to grill you on players and statistics, you're in trouble. It won't be long before the interview sees that you were lying through your teeth. A little fib is okay, but don't overdo it.
If it comes down to you and another well-qualified candidate, it's this personal connection you established during the interview that will likely put you over the top. Studies show that we like people with whom we have things in common -- even if it's as minute as having names that start with the same letter!
You can rest assured this little-known trick will be a big help, so long as you play your cards right. If anything, it'll inject some levity into the conversation.
For more tips and advice, be sure to check out my other posts: How to Understand People
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