Job seeker interview secret break the ice - Hire Imaging

Job seeker interview secret break the ice - Hire Imaging Nervous about that job interview? Here’s how to get off on the right foot! Small talk Being armed with some good icebreaker questions to ask can help you make a good first impression. It can also set the tone for the entire interview. Small talk gives you and the interviewer a chance to get to know each other a bit. It can ease tension or anxiety you may be feeling. In the bigger scheme of things, taking some time to break the ice is important, because it is a skill that is great to hone for day-to-day work and lifeâ€"regardless of your field or industry. If you can show that you are good at breaking the ice, the interviewer will be able to picture you doing the same as you relate to customers, colleagues, supervisors, vendorsâ€"anyone. Engage with good questions or comments There are some questions or statements that can get a conversation going. Here are a few that you might initiate: What is your position with the company? (If you don’t already know) How long have you been with the company? (If you don’t already know) Comments about the weather. Comments about your trip to the interview destination. For example, “What an easy and scenic drive! The directions were great!” Comments about the company site (if interviewed there). “I like the accessibility of parking around here,” or “I noted some enticing smells coming from the cafeteria.” If you are connected on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook, use it to break the ice. “I see from your Tweets that you are a big jazz fan.” We all love to talk about subjects we’re  passionate about (But don’t bring it up if you hate jazz or know nothing about it!). Social media is a powerful resource for breaking the ice. Does the interviewer love fishing, record a favorite TV show, or have season tickets to a particular football team’s games? Word of caution: don’t come off as a Twitter stalker. Don’t overdo it Stick with safe topics: sports, hobbies, the city and culture etc. Keep in mind that small talk should be briefâ€"two to three minutes tops. Don’t go overboard, particularly in praise. Talking about how you love the wall color will come off as desperate and shallow. Do respond to comments made by the interviewer. Particularly if it opens the door to common interests. If you went to the same school, know someone in common, or belong to a common association, this is excellent opportunity to bond. Do act interestedâ€"direct eye contact, a smile, leaning forward. Small talk is there to break the ice. Your body language speaks as clearly as what you say. Don’t bring up anything related to the job itself at this stage. Work hours, salary or even the fact that you know someone who works in the same companyâ€"are not icebreaker topics. Definitely avoid talking about past jobs or any related subject matter. Do feel comfortable bringing up job-related topics reflective of the interviewer, say garnered through LinkedIn or research on the company. If the interviewer has worked his / her way up through the company, it’s great show you noted this accomplishment, and tie it in to the favorable impression the company makes on you for valuing its people. Think of the interview as a conversation. The interviewer is often just as nervous as you are. Breaking the ice settles nerves on all counts. It is always about the people; it is always about connecting. Photo: LeonIngul