Job Hunt Masters: Master Your Job Interview (7 minute Crash Course)

                                                    

 In this video, we have answered some frequently asked questions regarding job interviews and provided relevant tips from the scopes of negotiation and influence. 

  The first question highlights the dynamic nature of the interaction between the job interviewer and the candidate, moving beyond a rigid question-and-answer procedure. In a job interview, it is crucial for candidates to maintain a balance between professionalism and authenticity in order to strategically present themselves while adapting to the flow of the conversation. The main idea here is that the power dynamic in a job interview (and in other negotiation circumstances) is fluid, allowing candidates to actively influence how they are perceived by building rapport and increasing likability with the interviewers. This way, they can reclaim more discursive rights and transition toward integrative negotiation, where both parties begin to collaborate and explore mutual fit.  

  The second question centers on the concept of influence. We aimed to help individuals feel less anxious during the job interview by introducing the psychological method- reappraisal, which involves converting anxiety into excitement. Thus demonstrating how they can influence themselves to change their perception of the emotion that they are feeling.  We also share advice on what to avoid in terms of appearance, what interviewers look for, and what might predict future success in getting the job. This connects to the concept of impression management, as we are providing viewers with tips that align with what the interviewers are looking for, and demonstrating how their appearance might influence interviewers' decision to hire them. 

  The third question is about techniques that could be used for negotiating offers, especially focusing on salary. We divided the negotiation process into two stages: before/during the interview, and after receiving an offer. Key strategies include understanding how the organization values things, setting your reservation price (the minimum acceptable salary), and asking for what you want. We also provided several ways of negotiation that vary in the level of directiveness and assertiveness, depending on different situations. Finally, we emphasized the power of making the first offer, which works as an anchor of the outcome. These techniques are not only suitable for negotiating salaries, but also effective for securing benefits, bonuses, and other employment terms and conditions. From the negotiation perspective, the process of negotiating between the candidates and employers/HRs is an integrative negotiation, where you will negotiate over multiple issues and expand the pie to make both parties win.

References:

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Van De Mieroop, D., Clifton, J., & Schreurs, C. (2016). The Interactional Negotiation of the Rules of the Employment Interview Game: Negative Remarks About Third Parties and “Doing” Trust. International Journal of Business Communication, 56(4), 560–585. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488416673816 

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