3. Likeability
Here’s a basic truth you may find difficult to believe. The most important factor every interviewer is looking for in a candidate is NOT the breadth and depth of her or his skills, education, or talents. It’s likeability! In a recent review of more than 100,000 face-to-face interviews there was not one candidate hired who wasn’t, at first, liked by the people doing the interviewing and hiring. You might think that one’s personality would be of less value than their teaching prowess, but such is not the case. Simply put, people get hired because they are liked.
INSIDER TIP: According to recruiter Tony Beshara, “The number of extremely qualified, excellent candidates that weren’t hired because they weren’t initially liked by the interviewing or hiring authority defies logic and common sense.” |
What are your three greatest strengths? What are some of your hobbies or free time activities? How do you handle criticism? How did you handle disagreements with your college supervisor? What makes you the best teacher for this position? Who is the greatest influence on your life? What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made? Interestingly, hiring decisions are based more on personality factors than they are on skill factors. You may be the best qualified candidate, but if you aren’t the best liked, then the position will probably go to someone else.
