No matter which side of the table you are sitting at during a job interview…I believe it is critical for all involved to have something I call:  The Most Important “Thing” that can be shared by each person.

What am I saying?

For this TRIPLE III TIME message I want to encourage everyone that takes part in the job interview process…whether you are the one being interviewed or the person doing the interview…to have in your mind The Most Important “Thing” that could make everyone leaving the interview feeling somehow special about JOBS!

I can’t even put a number to the times I have talked to young adults (and some not-so-young adults) about sharing something special about themselves during a job interview.  I let them know that it doesn’t have to be an achievement “thing” or credential-based.  Rather it could be a statement on how they helped with youngsters learning t-ball or drafting a short story for an English class.

As I indicated…I also believe it is important for interviewers to share The Most Important “Thing” from their perspective.  Interviewing to be the most effective…needs to be a “two-way street” of communication.  So it only makes common sense for those doing the interview to also take a moment or two to share a special time that reflects authenticity and/or something they feel strongly about.

Have I shared The Most Important “Thing” for me a time or two…YES!  The “Thing” I have shared over time is that early in my job growth years…I played trumpet in my family polka band!  Did the information get a chuckle or two…yep…but it also gained a different, valuable level of openness with those interviewing me and those I have interviewed.  PRICELESS!

Think about The Most Important “Thing” for you and jot it down.  Then use it in an appropriate professional moment and hear the results.  I think you will be happily surprised.