While most of our negotiations connect with our daily, non-business
tasks, there is a moment in each young man's (and woman's) life, when we
prepare ourselves to find a job. Most of the times, that means an interview and
job offer negotiation. Should we care how we look, what we say, what we
want? Why is it so important?
In fact, people (and especially recruiters) do care how you look. Some may not believe it, but that’s just
true. How you seat, the way you speak, how you build your sentence, tone - whether
it’s dynamic or not – it all counts! It’s called likability. If you want to be
treated well, if you really want that job, you better wear a well-tailored
suit, and take a deep, calming breath!
You should help recruiters understand your situation. It is not easy. You
cannot lie (just don’t - employers hate liars), but on the same hand, you shouldn't say things
straight. Pay attention to what and how politicians, sport stars, and actors
speak. They sometimes don’t even answer the question, but many people don’t
realize it. Imagine yourself as a recruiter. Are they really interested in your
story? Tell them not what they ask, but what they want. It may be difficult, so before you go, find or construct some
possible questions and prepare good answers, then play them like a role in the theater.
Going on an interview, be sure you really want that job. Do a great
research, try to ask employees about the atmosphere, employers, culture, and
anything you might consider important. Create a long list of negative, neutral
and positive aspects divided into different categories (for instance, financial,
self-development, non-financial). That may help you if you have some
alternatives (consider them as your BATNA in negotiations!) to choose from.
Why is it so important? It shows your image. It builds your reputation.
It helps you develop. Gives you challenge, that you are able to fight.
//
To the recruiters: Don’t forget about the small talk. Building a
stronger relation before an actual negotiation really may help you. Don’t rush, spend
some time getting to know the other person. And don’t play a bad guy in the
negotiations. The most important thing in life is to build good, healthy
relations. It’s worth more than money.
Nice article! Some of those things are new to me (especially the role-playing advice) - i will think about that! There are some thing though that I have different opinion on:
ReplyDelete"If you want to be treated well, if you really want that job, you better wear a well-tailored suit(...)"
Depends on the position you are going for. As a manager, a suit or other elegant apparel is mostly recommended, where a graphic designer should wear something less formal. It all should fit the way you are going to dress every day for work, just be more polished, "one level up".
I totally agree with lying - you should never lie, whether it's work or not. It just doesn't work for long term relationships.
Research before the job interview is crucial - I think you might have develop a little bit more on that. Nothing makes the employer more satisfied and easy to talk to than asking and being interested in what the company is doing during the interview. We show our potential engagement and general "refinement".
Great idea on adding "to the recruiters" section. This assures us, the young future employees, that the employer is also wanting to hire us, it's not one-way communication.
Hi! Thanks for you comment, I'm glad you found this article useful!
ReplyDeleteFrom my point of view, it is YOU who create your look. It's the same as in your environment. Sometimes you have to break the rule and go much beyond the colleagues' standards to be in a better place - start wearing better clothes than your peers, use better language, be more confident in your moves. This may feel weird, but that is the way of growing stronger.
In fact, you're more likely to receive a better pay for your job, if your style is simply great. And don't be fooled with the propaganda of the one-shot good look. You are representing yourself. Don't you think it is a bit of a lie, if you dress "one level down", less polished clothes first day after you passed the interview?
The funniest thing is, we LIE every single day. I will tell more about that in my next blog note.
Thanks again, I really appreciate your interest!