20/05/2023
LIKEABILITY VERSUS COMPETENCE.
Having actively participated in hundreds of interviewing cycles, at different levels and cadres, both physically and virtually, the importance of of candidates in job interviews cannot be ignored. According to the Harvard Business Review, September 2022 edition, the traditional interview makes it more likely we hire someone in our image, the “mini me” cognitive error. Organizational psychologist, Adam Grant calls this the “I’m not biased” bias.
Think about it: When a candidate walks out of your office, or off a Zoom call, what makes you think it was a good interview? Usually, it’s a spark of , which happens when you find something in common or relatable. Simply because we’re humans, we most times, tend to substitute this feeling of connectedness as a proxy for competency, potential and ability.
Emotions make up the fabric of all relationships; they're woven through every human , including hiring. The job seeker's emotional journey is well known – anticipation, anxiety, uncertainty, elation – but have you ever considered what interviewers undergo during the hiring process? The final hiring decision is filled with emotions, deliberations, illusions, considerations and opinions of the interviewing team.
After a job interview, nobody says, " Richard was so punctual! I can’t wait to work with him!" It's more likely to be, "Richard was not only professional, he was so friendly! He’ll be great to have around!" or "Mfon exuded so much energy and enthusiasm for the role, I can't wait to have her join my team!". Sometimes you get feedback from other panelists that goes... "Mfon personality matches the role, I think he fits well into our culture", or "Mercy was all smiles during the interview, despite not getting all answers correctly, her pleasant personality shone through during the interview. She would be a great addition to the sales team!".
Likeability can to a great extent, influence the interview process as interviewers may be more inclined to hire candidates who they perceive as likeable, connected to, or pleasant to work with. Sometimes, you don't tick all the boxes of the hiring manager but somehow, you still get hired and vice versa, right?
The urge to be liked is a force in our world: It can force you to rethink behaviour, appearances, decisions and relationships. So next time you’re being interviewed for that all-important-position, remember that your CV, cover-letter and answers to the questions may only get you so far. A lot of it will simply come down to how you are perceived.
Here are a few helpful tips:
▪︎ Establish a connection with the interviewer(s).
▪︎ Be conscious of your body language.
▪︎ Make a good first impression.
▪︎ Demonstrate strong interpersonal skill.
Qualifications win interviews. , often likeability and personality can get you hired. The candidate who gets the offer may not be the most qualified, but the most liked.
I am Thadom Dominic, music Producer and Label Manager at DONSMARK SOUND