What you can expect:
You really want this new job, don’t you? 🤞 Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll find out why your expertise alone in the interview isn’t enough to land the job. I’ll show you how you can really impress with targeted rapport, convincing body language and authentic communication. You’ll also get practical tips on how to use your strengths effectively in the interview – so that you don’t just knock on the door, but open it with a smile. 🚪😊
The hunt for expertise
Are you constantly being invited to job interviews, but afterwards there is silence or one rejection after another? Uff, that’s really frustrating – I feel for you! 😖
As a career starter, this may happen to you more often, but even if you already have plenty of experience, successes and a pile of certificates on the wall, this doesn’t always protect you from such setbacks.
Most people then think: “Hm, probably not convinced professionally.” And bang, after a few rejections, you end up back on the training course and collecting the next certificate – as if another one on the wall makes the difference. 🤷♀️
“Women in particular often tend to pile up countless qualifications in order to be convincing from a professional point of view. It seems as if they constantly have the feeling that they have to go the extra mile.”
Why your expertise only gets you as far as the door
I’ll let you in on a little secret: your technical expertise will only get you so far. Sounds harsh? But it is. If you’re invited to an interview, you’ve already taken the first big step – your CV has impressed. Your technical expertise? It has already passed the check.
But to get the job offer in the bag, to really walk through the door, you need something completely different!
Your expertise alone is not enough to close the deal. I know that first-hand.
As a former HR professional, I sat in countless job interviews and was – sorry, but it’s true – often bored. Candidates rattled off their CVs, throwing around big names in the hope of impressing me.
Did I choose these candidates? Um, no, definitely not! 🙅♀️
And now, as an entrepreneur, I see exactly the same pattern: specialist knowledge gets me to the door, but what really gets me through is always something else.
The secret to a successful job interview?
Humanity and genuine connections
It may sound trite, but it’s true: Rapport is the key to a job offer. Your counterpart wants to know whether you fit into the team on a personal level. Likeability and trust are crucial here – no matter how impressive your specialist knowledge is. 🧠✨
What is Rapport
Rapport means building a positive, trusting connection between two people. It arises when you find common ground on a personal level and respond authentically to the other person. It’s about arousing sympathy and trust so that the other person can engage with you – be it in conversation, through your body language or simply through your attitude.
Basically, rapport is the secret ingredient of any successful communication, because it helps to break down barriers and create real connections. Without rapport? No chance of a spark being ignited! 💥
How you manage to build rapport:
Here are my absolute favorite tips for you so that you can score points not only professionally, but also personally:
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Find common ground:
Nothing creates a connection faster than shared interests or similar experiences. As soon as you discover something in common - be it your favorite coffee or a shared challenge - talk about it! ✨ -
Pay attention to your body language and facial expressions:
Your body often speaks louder than your words. Be present, open and show through your body language that you are interested and open-minded. A friendly smile here and there can work wonders. 😊 -
Convince through strong communication and presence:
Confident, clear communication makes your words seem powerful. But it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. So, get out of the nosy corner and into the world of clear, present communication! -
Use storytelling:
Stories connect. They bring your words to life and leave a lasting impression. Tell authentic stories that show who you are and what is important to you - your counterpart won't forget you in a hurry! 📖✨ -
Be authentic and self-confident:
People can sense when you are pretending. Be yourself - that's your strongest weapon! And if you don't believe in yourself, who will? Show self-confidence without appearing arrogant and you're halfway there. 💪 -
Use your strengths - and those of your counterpart:
Your strengths are what make you special. But don't forget to recognize and respond to the strengths of the other person too. Being on an equal footing together will take you to the next level of trust.
#STÄRKENSTÄRKEN helps you to identify your strengths:
Take the #STÄRKENSTÄRKEN strengths analysis now! Find out your strengths and at the same time understand what downsides they may entail.
The best thing about it? The analysis of your top 3 strengths, including shadow sides, is completely free of charge and gives you valuable insights into your potential. Use this opportunity to boost your self-confidence and be even more focused in job interviews or other important conversations!
Summary:
Your expertise is your door opener and gives you authority. But at the end of the day, it’s about building a real connection with the person you’re talking to. So often I see many – especially women – take the route of countless training courses and additional qualifications in the hope that this will make them more convincing. But the real secret lies deeper: self-confidence, charisma and skillful communication are the true success factors.
So: use your strengths, be courageous and build rapport – then the door will open by itself! 🚪✨
Your Maria
