IIt happened.  The word I dread.   A manager used the word 'Underwhelmed' to described how my candidate did.  The whole phrase being 'he was great technically and can probably take us to a new level, but his personality underwhelmed us, so we won't be pursuing yada yada yada'.  The kiss of death when an interviewer underwhelms the hiring team.  What causes this to happen? Well usually it's one big thing…. the candidate was boring in the interview.

When someone is interviewing for a new job, there are several traits they must show:

1.  They are inquisitive about the company

2.  They are curious what role they will play in the big plan

3.  They excitedly talk about the great things they've done

4. They sell the great projects they worked on

5.  They elaborate of the great things that they can do at this new company.

6. They talk fast, they sit on the edge of the seat, they draw on a board, and so on.

 Most of my candidates are technical in nature so they tend not to jump up and down in gyrating motions like a bee colony in heat, so it's part of the preparation to show them how to get excited.   It just kills me when they don't do this.

So jobseekers, practice being excited.  How?  Here's some tips:

1.  When your spouse, friend or family member is speaking to you lean forwards and tilt your head to lean into them to listen.

2.  When speaking, increase the rate of speech.  Speed it up and sometimes slow it down.  If your spouse asks you why you are so excited you are doing something right.

3.  When listening nod your head and watch them. Think of your pet dog when he's about to get a dog biscuit… that excited look she has, you need to look something like that.

4.  If there's a white board, ask if you can use it and start brainstorming by drawing on the board.   Stick figures can even work.

5.  Draw things at the table with the interviewer… org charts, project teams, flow charts, whatever.

6.  If sitting back with leg crossed, move forwards when the interviewer does.

7.  Ask them what they just told you such as "So from what I just heard…' or "That's really cool, so if what you're saying …." , etc..    I think you get the message.

8.  Smile, laugh, tell a joke.  Break up the interview.

9.  Get them talking about the projects you'll be working on when you start

10.  If you see pictures on the wall, trophies, plaques, etc.. get them talking about it.  When they talk excitedly you seem more exciting to them.

 I'd love to hear what other ideas some of  you might have, so please contribute below.  And Interviewers.. PLEASE DON"T BE BORING!!!

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 William G Morgan, the Job Swami, is the Regional Manager and an Executive IT & Sales Recruiter with Segula Technologies, Inc.   He can be reached at (610)579-3216 if you are looking for great people or are looking for next employment.

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