Developing an Organizational Fit
It's often been said that organizational fit is one of the most important aspects of the hiring decision. Look at the following diagram from Roger Shepard's book Mind Sights: Original Visual Illusions, Ambiguities, and Other Anomalies (W. H. Freeman, 1990). Apparently the table on the right is square-shaped and the one on the left is rectangular and longer.
Your role in the
interview process is to explain how you match the requirements
of the job and will be a perfect fit into the organization. The two
table tops are identical in size and shape, though it seems that
they are not. You must convince the hiring authority that you
are the right "size and shape" to fit into the organization.
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you," advised Dale Carnegie.
Resolve to focus your energy on helping others feel valued and appreciated. Show your appreciation with a thank-you, or a smile. Call up someone you haven't spoken to in a while, just to catch up on how they are. If you have children, give one child at a time your full attention for an afternoon. Write a note of appreciation to someone who is important to you.
Compatibility
Remember compatibility is a key element in our job interview
preparation. Your task is to at least "appear" compatible. This
isn't dishonest, because you are simply modifying your behavior
to match that of the organization so there can be a more
harmonious working relationship.
Active Listening
If you listen well, people will trust you more. Trust is established by developing a relationship with another person (a professional relationship in this case). Conversation is how we can validate a relationship. Both speaker and listener play a part, each influencing the other. Instead of being a passive recipient, the listener has as much to do in shaping the conversation as the speaker. When you are in tune, fully, with the speaker, you will be closer to establishing trust.
Empathy
Empathy is valued currency. It allows us to create bonds of trust, it gives us insights into what others may be feeling or thinking.
