New research shows that the first twelve words that you say in a job interview can make or break your chances.

The team at Resurgo Trust, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth find jobs, found that this is because all-important first impressions of interview candidates are often formed based on the quality of their small talk.

There are no casual interactions or small talk that doesn’t actually count towards your candidacy in a job interview. That includes the ice-breaking conversation you might have with the employer while walking from the reception area to the interview room.

So when the employer shakes your hand and says:

        “

Thanks for coming in, did you have any trouble finding the place?

    • “

 

    • Or

 

        “

Hey, nice to meet you. How was your weekend?

    • “

 

    • Or

 

        “

Follow me back to the conference room. Sorry to keep you waiting, another meeting ran long…

    • “

 

The first twelve words that you say can be crucial to landing the job or losing the opportunity. Because this is the first time the employers is speaking to you in person, it will naturally form the basis of their first impression of you. Also, this opportunity for banter isn’t a prescribed, predictable job interview question that you could have rehearsed an answer for.

Employers are getting their first look at how personable you are, how sociable. Can you interact pleasantly and confidently with strangers? Can you think on your feet and communicate effectively? Those are valuable skills for many, if not most, jobs.

Stay positive and upbeat. Don’t grumble about the weather, the commute over there, or anything else. Tell a funny story if you can. If you share a laugh with your interviewer, then you are connecting on a personal level.

Employers wouldn’t likely be concerned if you were nervous at the job interview (it’s only natural to be nervous when you know you are being scrutinized), except that it’s not only about the interview. The interview is just an example you being put in a high-pressure situation. And in most jobs – those are going to come up. Are you presenting at a big client meeting? Are you facing an irate customer at the check-out counter? Is a delivery driver screaming mad because he’s on a schedule and the pick-up isn’t ready?

Can you keep your cool? Can you think on your feet, deal with pressure, and diffuse potentially heated situations. Can you act professionally and decisively when you’re nervous? Your level of composure at the job interview can be an indicator of this, and that is why it matters to employers.

How do you demonstrate this? Firm dry hand shake. Proper eye contact. Confident and positive body language. These can go a long way. And when you open your mouth to say those first twelve words, remember this is part of the interview. The employer want to know if they like you, if the team will like working with you, and if you can represent the brand in public.

So when the employer shakes your hand and says:

        “

Thanks for coming in, did you have any trouble finding the place?”

    • – No, this is a great location. It must be amazing to work in this area. I think I would bike in much of the year…

“Hey, nice to meet you. How was your weekend?”
– Fantastic, thanks! I do volunteer work practicing English skills with New Canadians down at the community centre, and I met the nicest family this weekend…”

“Follow me back to the conference room. Sorry to keep you waiting, another meeting ran long…”
– Oh, not at all. I appreciate your taking the time to meet with me. I was just chatting with Joan at reception, and she was filling me on what a great place to work this is. I’m very excited about the potential to join the team…”

 

See also:

The real reason we have job interviews

Your unwillingness to make small talk is nothing to be proud of and not helping your career

Eight signs that your job interview isn’t going very well (and how you can turn it around)

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