There I said it.  It's out at the beginning of the article.  The Secret Sauce to win the interview is nothing more than having a contagious, never forgetful, contagious, positive attitude!

You can leave now … OR…. Read on. What is it?  How do I portray it?  What can I do with it?   How do I get it?

Attitude plays a major role in making any person successful.   Studies attributed in a  Harvard University study for example found that when a person gets a  job or promotion, 85% of the time it's because of his/her  attitude and only 15%of the time because of intelligence and knowledge of specific facts. 

Let's take this a little further.   I live life with a positive attitude.  I wake up in the morning doing some really crazy things that drive my family crazy.  Things like:

a.  I look in the mirror and tell myself it's going to be a great day not matter what's going on for the day.

b.  Telling my wife every day 'Did I tell you I love you today'? Even if it's the first we spoke for the day.  She either says 'Yes or No' or 'You're such an idiot' (with a smile on her face)

c. Go up to my kids and tell them {embarrass them usually] telling them that they are a winner.  It goes  'So What Are You?'  and hopefully they say "A Winner", but usually they just say "Dad, not again".   I know…. pretty corny.

d.  Wake up in the morning and I realize I can feel like crap or feel great, whether or not my body aches with various pains.   My state of mind is positive whether my body or surroundings aren't.

e.  I tell other people how awesome they are.

f.  I smile alot especially when I see someone that isn't

g.  I don't answer 'Okay' when people ask me how I am.  I say 'Fantastic', whether I am or not.

So how does that help me or  you in an interview?  Very easily.  Most people want to be around positive, happy people.   They already have enough negativity around them.  They want people with personalities, that will try things, that will challenge them.  In an interview with 10 people with similar skillsets, that dress in the same suit, who's resumes look the same.. what will be the Special Sauce that sets you apart?   ATTITUDE!

Below are 11 ways to show your positive attitude in an interview.  After the interview and having done this please come on this blog and tell me how you did.  Here are the things I'd like you to do:

1.  When they ask you how you are today, you answer 'Outstanding, or Awesome, or Fantastic'.

2.  When you shake thier hand, smile and with passion shake their hand as if they were the most important person in the world

3.  You look around and tell them what a beautiful place, or office or great looking cubicles…. be excited about it as if it is amazingly different.

4.  When you answer questions, sit on the edge of your seat.  Get out of your seat and draw on the whiteboard, use your hands to speak at times.  Anything to show animation and excitement.   Just don't overdo it.

5.  Speak fast at times.  Be passionate about your topic.  Don't try to stay under control ALL THE TIME.  When you are describing something important to the interview, be passionate about it.

6.  Smile during the interview

7.  Make sure you do not say anything negative about anything or any one.

8.  Before Leaving you tell them how you really enjoyed the interview (hopefully you did).  Be excited about joining the company and tell them that.

9.  Compliment them before leaving.  Don't be fake.

10.  Thank the Receptionist even if noone is looking. Be sincere about it.

11.  Smile all the way out the door.

Leave it in their minds you don't care what it takes to get the job done. You'll do whatever it takes (within reason of course).  

Companies know that they can train people their product; that people can learn skills and that people will generally work hard and be loyal to the company.  What they cannot teach is that missing ingredient:  ATTITUDE!    That gotta wanna to do a great job no matter what.  That energy that can't be knocked down and a personality that everyone enjoys.

Practice being positive over and over and you will win that interview.

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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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