interview tip

Professionalism is always key when it comes to interviewing, but LearnVest says it might be more important to be friendly.

Should you keep things professional when you show up to the interview? Actually, maybe not, according to a new study.

A study published in American Sociological Review found that–especially for new graduates–hiring managers place more weight on your likability than your skills.

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Researchers interviewed 120 professionals involved in undergraduate and graduate hiring at elite U.S. banks, law firms and consulting firms, and it turns out that personal feelings of comfort and excitement for a given candidate were ranked higher than confidence in cognitive and technical skills.

But wait, perhaps this isn’t as groundbreaking as it seems. Notice that this applied to undergraduate and graduate hiring. This is the level where, sure, prospective employees need a baseline of skills. But employers are looking for a good fit for the firm, at which point they will invest in training the new hire.

So, new graduates should definitely make sure to brush up on their people skills–like improving communications skills. And those who have acquired more skills and have been working longer? Well, it can’t hurt.

Check out more from LearnVest:

Tips to Nail That Lunch Interview

The 10 Worst Interview Questions (and the 5 Best)

Follow Up on a Job Application With These 5 Steps

The 2-Minute Secret to Acing That Interview

This past weekend, I talked in front of a large audience, which definitely gave me a nervous feeling at the pit of my stomach. It's the same feeling I used to get on job interviews — the pressure of wanting to impress, coupled with trying really hard to remember your prep materials and hoping you don't have seaweed stuck on your teeth. I experienced the exact same emotions, just in a different situation and with more eyes watching. If nerves are a problem for you, take note of these tips below which work for both public speaking and interviewing!

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you prep, the more calm you'll feel before an interview. It's a good idea to accept interviews that you're not really interested in just for the sake of practicing. That way you'll be used to the situation and when it comes to a job you really want
  
• Memorize, Memorize: There are some that advice against it, because it might make your answers seem robotic. However, I think it is a good idea especially because it's hard to offer great on-the-spot answers when you're nervous. If you're more articulate on paper than vocally, write down prescripted answers to questions you think you might be asked on an interview. You don't have to mouth off the answer word for word, just take use chunks of it here and there.
  
• Talk to Friends: Before an interview, call your friends to calm your nerves. That's what I do, and I find that it really helps when your friends offer reassuring words and attempt to take your mind off things. It helps to give you a more positive mindset going in.
  
• Underwear and Imagination: You've probably heard about how picturing people in their underwear lightens the mood. You don't necessarily have to imagine them in their undies, but just remind yourself that your interviewer is human too. He or she has probably gone through a similar grueling interview process. This will probably lessen the intimidation you're feeling, and help your true colors shine.

Of all the types of questions you may be asked in an interview (from "Why do you want this job?" to "What kind of tree would you be?"), behavior-based questions are the most telling. Unfortunately, they’re also the questions applicants bomb the most.

You definitely know a behavioral question when you hear one, and chances are, they fill you with dread. The interviewer has pitched you a few softballs about your previous experience and your strengths and weaknesses; then she hits you with, "Tell me about a specific time you had to adjust your communication style to get through to a co-worker." Sound familiar? Then to find out how to answer, read more.