“Likability” Key Factor in Getting Hired

According to Kimberly Thompson, a columnist (“Career Rescue”) for the Houston Chronicle ("Likability factor can win the interview," October 14, 2015, p. 6), some job candidates are not liked by their interviewers. “Unlikability” usually translates into no job offer.  Unliked applicants may come across as too focused on their past achievements and goals. Thompson also noted that nonverbal communication plays a role in likability. Applicant facial expressions and posture may help to create a poor first impression.  Thompson advises that likability begins with self-awareness. Self-awareness may be hard to achieve, but practice interviews and candid feedback may help applicants develop more insight about their interactions with others. Often the employer's priority interest is hiring a qualified applicant who “…is easy to get along with and who works well with others.”