Top Tips for Influencing at Job Interviews - Verbal #3

In the third of our series of articles on influencing at job interviews we look at what you should be aware of at the interview itself.

As we have outlined in an earlier article, there are three essential impressions to convey during the actual interview:

• that you are capable of doing the job
• that you will fit in
• that you truly desire the job and will be an asset to the team and company

So it is important to be mindful of these points throughout the interview and to recognise that your goal is to effectively persuade the interviewer that you can meet all three. In a number of studies, successful interviewees were found to be more likely to demonstrate certain behaviours:

1. Be Assertive
An assertive style will be more effective than a passive one. Being assertive might include asking the interviewer questions, clarifying a question, arguing a point and taking the initiative in raising topics for discussion.

2. Use Positive Language
Successful interviewees were found to be more likely to demonstrate certain behaviours. For example, they make use of positive and concrete language, give support or evidence for the claims they make, and are able to identify with prospective employers.

3. Avoid Long Pauses
Avoiding long delays in responding to questions and general hesitation was considered helpful for interview success.

4. Be Dominant!
Interviewers liked candidates who revealed a degree of dominance at certain points in the interview (e.g. when the interviewer did not allow the candidate enough time to complete their response). Beware though of displaying arrogant or aggressive behaviour.

​What are your experiences of using influencing skills at interviews? What has or hasn't worked for you? Share your stories with us - we'd love to hear from you.