Expert Q & A: Why Presence Matters to Job Seekers
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As a job seeker, it's important to realize that the way you come across to other people will have a lot to do with whether or not you are invited to interview for positions and what the outcome of those interviews will be. Kristi Hedges, author of The Power of Presence: Unlock Your Potential to Influence and Engage Others shares her insights on this important topic.
Understanding the Importance of Presence
LoveToKnow (LTK): Why is presence something that job seekers need to consider?
Kristi Hedges(KH): In a job search you want to stand out, and there's no greater "it" factor than presence. If given the choice between a person with perfect credentials and a weak presence and one with average credentials and a powerful presence -- hands down the person with a strong presence gets the job.
Presence is your ability to connect with and inspire others, and that's a critical skill during a job search. You want to be a person others clamor to work with. Even in a historically competitive job market, candidates with presence will thrive.
Consider it this way. Your presence is an indelible calling card. It determines your first impression, how connected hiring managers feel to you, their willingness to invest in you, and how memorable you are. It's an aspect of a person we evaluate on both emotional and rational levels.
Ignore presence at your peril; the person across the table is paying close attention.
How to Establish Presence
LTK: What do job seekers need to do to establish the right type of presence?
KH: First, you need to start early -- before interviewing -- to determine what you want to convey. What are your values? What are your strengths? What is your personal brand? Knowing what you stand for, and keeping it top of mind, will help shape not just what you say, but how you say it. I call it a situational intention. This simple act creates a clarity that changes how you present yourself, and as a bonus gets you clearer about what type of jobs would suit you best and the culture you'll succeed in.
Secondly, approach interviews with the intent that both parties are determining fit, not just the hiring company. Research the company through a combination of public information and personal conversations, and come with insightful questions. Seek to build trust by being straightforward, conversational and open. And remember that how you handle the search process speaks volumes about how you'll perform once you're hired. Be consistent, don't play games, and practice excellent follow through.
Finally, job seekers can recast their role in the job search process. Instead of going in as someone on the defensive, play offensive. Have a vision for the position you're seeking. Use the interview as a platform to share your ideas for what's possible. Don't simply respond to the standard interview questions with predictable answers. Use the opportunity to shape the discussion around what's possible with you in the role.
Avoid Common Mistakes
LTK: What are the most common mistakes made by job seekers that have a negative impact on presence?
KH: It's natural to want the job -- you may even need it -- but you're less likely to get it if you seem to be in constant sales mode. Be careful to not come across as overly (and unrealistically) positive in interviews, even when asked about challenges. And while it's great to show gumption, a willingness to extend yourself too far smacks of desperation. Be enthusiastic, conversational, and friendly, but also be real.
Another common mistake job seekers often make, especially in tough economic conditions, is to feel they need to apologize for what led them there. Whether through a layoff, corporate politics, career change, or otherwise, it can be tempting to feel at a disadvantage if you don't fit the prototype of a star candidate. Remember you're responsible for the energy you bring into the room, and others will feel about your experience as you lead them to feel. I once interviewed a candidate who'd been downsized. She discussed the experience with gratitude, as it allowed her to have a creative sabbatical that will benefit her next employer. She exuded positivity -- and got the job.
