Job seekers become excessively focused on “checking all the boxes” before applying for any job, making sure they meet each and every job requirement and qualification, it almost becomes an obsession. Frustration builds as they come up against what they call the “purple squirrel” which is a combination of job requirements that no true mortal could possibly fulfill. Even when they get in the door and into the interview room they work tirelessly to convince an employer that they meet each and every qualification of the job.
Ironically what is often overlooked is the power of likeability. It is how they connect and engage with the prospective employer. It is how they convey they can be trusted and fit in seamlessly with the existing team. What they often forget is that people hire who they like and trust above all else, even all the “must have’s” on the job description.
We have seen this play true even for the biggest most important jobs in the country. As the new President elect selects his cabinet, team and advisors, qualifications and credentials have become secondary to the power of the likeability. Politics aside, this is a lesson and good reminder to all job seekers, likeability is truly what gets people the job.
