Does Likeability Matter In A Job Interview?

Does likeability matter when looking for a job? I wondered the same thing and decided to find out what the experts had to say on the subject.

I asked professional recruiters who interview thousands of college graduates on campuses all over the country this question.

Do you think being perceived as likable during a job interview is important if a student wants to be seriously considered for a job at your company? If so, why?

Click on the Comments button and read what they experts had to say below.

3 Comments

  • By Frank Danzo, November 3, 2010 @ 11:47 am

    Likeability is critical in all job searches. For those of us that have work experience likeability is one third of the job interview. 1) Do you have the skills necessary to do the job? 2) Do you have successes that demonstrate you can get the job done? 3) Can I and others in the organization work with you…likeability?

    For college graduates this is even more of a factor since they do not have work experience. College graduates are selling a piece of paper and themselves. How you are perceived from a “likeability” perspective is at least half of the interviewing selection criteria.

    Frank Danzo
    Author of “People Buy People Not Resumes”
    http://CareerNetworkingPro.com
    [email protected]

  • By Kirk Ross, November 3, 2010 @ 3:07 pm

    Likeability is the largest decision factor in the entire job search process for college graduates. Starting at a job fair or company info session, the student has 2-3 minutes to make a positive impression (essentially be liked) with a company representative so they can differentiate themselves from the pack. During the interview process, how well the student connects with the interviewers and is viewed as someone the interviewers can work with will more times than not get them the offer. Even if the candidate’s skills might be slightly lacking in comparison to others, they can overcome that by being liked more than the other candidates.

    Kirk Ross
    RehabCare Group, Inc.
    http://www.rehabcare.com
    [email protected]
    (314) 659-2502

  • By Angela, April 16, 2013 @ 2:04 am

    I found this short article quite interesting for many reasons.
    Firstly that I once worked as an employment consultant and had to treat each client the same regardless of their disability or barrier and although this was easy for me they all formed an instant opinion of me and if I didn’t make the conscious effort for them to like me or gain rapport than success for themselves was that much harder. Secondly I am attending interivews and always strive to find a better or more modern approach that gives me the edge, so having that assertiveness from the moment I step in the room is essential. Dissolving any fears or nervousness is paramount to my success and likeability. Cheers

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