Making the Connection

The interview is a critical step in the hiring process. It's your opportunity to discuss your experience and capabilities with a potential employer. But how can you make a positive impression above and beyond the standard interview questions?

Smart job seekers use the interview as an opportunity to connect with their interviewer. This process starts long before the interview begins. Be sure to research the company and the people you will be meeting in the interview as much as possible. If you have an initial interview with the HR department, ask about the other professionals you will meet in future technical and supervisor interviews.

Be on the lookout for a personal connection with those you meet. Did they attend the same university? Are they involved with the same professional or honor organizations? Do they live in the same area?

More connections can be developed through shared professional experiences. Did they perform the same job function earlier in their career? Have you earned the same credentials? Do they work with the same software programs? Look for items that you can discuss during the interview that will work to your advantage, building links between you and the employer.

Professional motivations can be another effective way to make a connection with a potential supervisor. Did they follow a similar career path? Do their goals mirror your own? An employer wants to hire professionals who understand and share their ambitions. Discussing your own professional personality can be a very helpful approach. Candidates should work to showcase qualities such as leadership, teamwork, hard work, responsibility and honesty. This doesn't mean you say, "I am a hard worker that takes responsibilty for my projects." Instead, give specific examples in past positions where you have demonstrated these qualities. "We completed a difficult project by staying at the office until midnight -- and we finished it on deadline," is a better way to illustrate your dedication.

A good resume might get you an initial interview and a first round with human resources, but it won?t get you a job. Basic experiences and accomplishments won?t usually provide the personal connection to distiniguish you from other candidates. It is the personal connection in the second round technical interviews that will make you stand out from the crowd. Not only will it make for a great interview, it will help you create a lasting impression -- an invaluable means of getting hired for the job you really want.