Become The 'Chosen ONE' in a galaxy of competition
Selling yourself in a job interview is never easy. Sometimes it might feel like you're fighting a never-ending battle against a galaxy of referrals, internal, and external candidates.
But, fear not. We've identified several key lessons you can learn from the movie, 'Star Wars' © to help you along your job interview voyage.
"There is good in him. I've felt it." - Luke Skywalker
Whether you like or it not, hiring managers will often use intuition or a gut feeling to make a hiring decision. In fact, one-third of all managers determine within the first 90 seconds whether they will hire that person.
"Fear is the path to the dark side." - Yoda
And it's your job to diffuse it.
The first step in becoming a 'master' of the job interview is to believe you’re going to win the job offer. The best way to build this confidence is through understanding the hiring manager's personality and most importantly, his or her fears. Then spend the rest of the interview diffusing these fears and insecurities, not just by fielding questions but by asking thought-provoking questions as well.
"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope." - Princess Leia
Having a trustworthy mentor can help you master the job interview process. Acquire a master - in this case a professional staffing firm - to train you on the process and most importantly, the personalities of the stakeholders with whom you’ll be interviewing.
Here are several management character-types that you must learn so you can rock the interview.
Chewbacca
Princess Leia
Obi Wan Kenobi
Luke Skywalker
Jabba The Hutt 
C-3PO 
Darth Vader
"Your focus determines your reality" - Qui-Gon Jinn
Remember that while a good strategy is key, you'll also need to focus on the hiring manager's reaction by watching for non-verbal cues.
If the manager avoids eye contact, seems distracted, or looks bored, try another approach to make a connection. If the interviewer nods frequently, smiles, and affirms your responses then you know you're on the right track.
The circle is now complete. You were but the learner; now you are the master. Now, go rock the interview.
(Caricature Credit)
