BODY LANGUAGE IN THE WORKPLACE

(Barré) #1
SUBTEXT

strengths, or promotions were too slow and weren't based on perfor-
mance. Try to answer any question in an interview with a response
that sends out a positive subtext, but do it subtly!

What are your strong points? Know at least seven, and try to
relate each to the job you are after. The subtext you want to
send is: "I am organized, goal oriented, persevering, not rigid
and able to manage and motivate a staff. I work well by myself
or as a team member. Before the interview, prepare a list of
your strengths. Don't be taken by surprise.


What are your weak points? All of us have them, but in a job
interview, while you should be honest about some minor ones,
there is no need to give away the store. The point here is to try
to make a weakness a plus without being obvious. Send out conflict-
ing subtexts with the positive one the stronger. Here are a few
examples: "I'm impatient. By that I mean I'm very result oriented."
"I tend to get in and work with my subordinates. It may not be
great management, but I like important work done on time." "I
hate to do detail work, but I do it thoroughly." You get the point?


FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK:
WHAT THE INTERVIEWER SHOULD KNOW

As difficult as it may be to be interviewed, it is often more difficult
to be the interviewer. You would hesitate to make a major purchase
for your company on the basis of one or two meetings with a
salesperson, but you are asked to hire an employee after only
one or two interviews.
Where the job interview is held is an important part of the

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