If you are likeable, the job is yours

By John Kariuki

Employers are not always swayed by qualifications or accomplishments. They would also want to hire a likeable person.

Likeability is more than the charisma of getting others to hang out with you after work.

You develop it by being assertive, focused and versatile. These qualities can easily be spotted during a face-to-face interview.

Likeability will also put you in good stead when it comes for consideration for promotion among other qualified employees.

-Assertiveness: This is a nice balance between self-assurance and subtle pushiness. This attribute can be a driving force during an interview because the person sitting across from you cannot help but be drawn to you.

He or she might begin to respond to your ideas, thoughts, and words. If you are assertive, the listener will get the impression that you are confident in with yourself. This attribute can win one a job offer.

-Focus: A big part of a successful interview is based on your ability to focus your responses on the results you expect from the meeting. In doing so, you bring clarity to the conversation and help connect all hanging threads in your CV for the benefit of the interviewers.

It is your responsibility to sell yourself to the interviewers. When the panelists begin to get interested in your experience, you automatically become more appealing.

Part-time worker

-Versatility: Interviewers seek candidates who have a broad perspective on a wide range of career issues and are not stuck in old ways of doing things. Individuals who are versatile are recognised for being forward thinking, flexible, and resourceful.

A candidate who has worked as a part-time driver, cook, receptionist, pianist and sports instructor besides the professional qualifications might tickle the panelists but this revelation could just be what they want to hear.

People-oriented jobs seek demonstration of people skills like diplomacy, team playing, and conflict resolution in applicants regardless of how these skills were acquired.

Though hiring decisions are sometimes based on factors beyond your control, there are occasions when it comes down to whether or not you made a positive first impression.