There are similarities between interviews and dates: you don’t know the other party well, and you want to make a good impression. But the common ground ends there. An interview however is not a date.
While a date could go anywhere from disaster to dream connection, an interview has a roadmap, a goal and some clear objectives along the way. Business Woman has collaborated with Trudy Gilbert, founder of leading matchmaker brand Elite Introductions, to map out six key tips that cover the differences between a job interview and a date.
- Be genuine, but restrained
You should never be inauthentic on a date, and the same is true in an interview. But in the latter situation you need to be more restrained. You can let the interviewer know a few brief details if they want to get an idea of the kind of person you are outside work – sporting or cultural interests, for example. But an interview is not the time to unleash your funny, goofy side, share your lolcats collection, or voice soapbox opinions on current affairs.
- The right kind of relaxed attitude
On a date, your aim is to get to know the other person, and the best way to do that is in a relaxed frame of mind that removes any fear of failure. [tweet_quote hashtags=”#jobinterview” ]A job interview should also mean a relaxed attitude[/tweet_quote], but one in which you are able to focus sharply on proving you are right for the role or project. If you’re relaxed, you will seem more confident, and make a better impression.
To get into the right frame of mind, have a practice run with a friend. Get them to ask you questions you think the interviewer might throw at you, and run over the possible answers a couple of times. This will help you enter the interview with a relaxed, poised attitude coming from the confidence that you will have fluent answers that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
- Keep the sides even
On a date, there needs to be an even balance of attention. If you find you’re talking about yourself too much, it doesn’t let you get to know about the other person and see if they’re a good match for you. [tweet_quote hashtags=”#jobinterviewtips” ]On a job interview, the focus is mainly on you[/tweet_quote]. However, you should always put some of the focus back on the interviewer’s company. Just as on a date, this is your chance to get to know the other side and see if they’re a good match for you. In addition, just like a date, it lets the other party know you’re generally interested in them, and not just focused on yourself.
- Do the research
Dates are not supposed to be preceded by online digging into the profile of the person you are about to meet. Unless you’re concerned they’re a danger or risk to you, that would be known as cyber stalking.
However, the opposite applies when you have a job interview. Dig into their online profile, read about the company goals, performance and structure, even the people who will be on the interview panel, if you know who they are and can find their profiles.
This is not stalking, it is being prepared. Nobody wants to hear a date say: “I know that last year you were in Fiji for your holidays”. That’s just creepy.
But if you tell an interviewer: “I know that last year you expanded operations into Fiji”, that’s showing interest and strong research skill.
- Preparing questions
On a date it’s always good to have a few go-to questions in case the conversation dries up. And while there’s little chance of awkward silences in an interview, you should also have questions prepared. [tweet_quote hashtags=”#interview” ]Interviewers will be impressed if you ask about the company’s future goals[/tweet_quote], about team interaction and culture, and even about any challenges the company thinks it might face with changes in the industry.
- Bring a portfolio
You might want to keep your phone’s camera roll well away on a date, because it’s not yet the time to reveal all your cat’s clever tricks.
But it’s always handy to take extra proof of your achievements to a job interview. They’ve already seen your CV, and cover letter, but you’ve had to keep those brief. The interview is the place to bring out a portfolio or other evidence of your work. If possible, leave copies with them to consider when making a decision.
Trudy Gilbert, founder and director of Elite Introductions is known as Australia’s Millionaire Matchmaker. She has been featured on The Today Show, Sky News, 2BG and the hit TV series “The Real Housewives of Melbourne”. Since 2005, Elite Introductions has been introducing successful single professionals and business owners. Gilbert has recently published her tell-all book on dating, 49 Secrets of an Elite Matchmaker.
