I recently went to a retirement party with my husband for one of his co-workers. I worked at this same place six years ago (that’s where I met my husband, but that’s another story), so I knew most of the people at the party.

One person I didn’t know (I’ll call her Jill but that’s not her real name) was talking about how bored she is in her current job. She’s been with the agency for about three months and is doing administrative work.

“I’m way overqualified for this position,” she said. “I used to be an Office Manager. I only took this job because I heard this agency was a good place to work. I know I can get something better.”

Jill told me she planned to apply for a new opening at the same agency — a slightly better-paying administrative position. That position became vacant recently when that secretary retired. It’s been filled by a temp for about three weeks.

“I know I’m way more qualified than that temp!” Jill said. “If she gets hired instead of me, I’m going to file a grievance!”

If she hadn’t quickly disappeared, I would’ve given her some advice. If you’ve ever had the same attitude as Jill, maybe you can use this advice.

First, an employer is not under any obligation to hire the most qualified candidate. They can hire the least qualified candidate, as long as that candidate meets the minimum qualifications stated in the position announcement.

Second, employers are people, and people hire those they like and want to work with. As long as there is no discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation or physical/mental disability, employers can legally hire whomever they want.

The fact of the matter is, a candidate is never hired based solely on her qualifications. A candidate is hired because she convinces the hiring manager that she can do the job and be a positive, enthusiastic, pleasant-to-work-with member of the team.

Someone who is blabbing to co-workers (and strangers!) that she’ll file a grievance if she doesn’t get hired is unlikely to fit that bill.

If you’re thinking of applying for a promotion within your current company, please realize that more than your experience, skills and qualifications will be judged.

What’s your reputation? If you’re a dedicated team player, great!

But if you’re a complainer whom your current boss and co-workers would not miss, you’ve got some reputation repair work to do first!

Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, “Career-Life Times.” Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.Best-Interview-Strategies.com

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All things being equal, companies hire people they like.

Obviously, skills are important and you are not likely to get a job just because you’re nice if you don’t appear able to do the job.

But given a qualified candidate who comes across as likeable and an equally qualified candidate who gives the hiring manager the impression that they are going to be a problem, the hiring manager will undoubtedly hire the likeable candidate.

It seems fairly obvious to state this but the question is really:

What makes one person come across as likeable and another person come across like a jerk?

Some people are just naturally likeable and immediately come across as such.

Some people give the impression of being aloof especially if they are quiet or detached and are perceived to be socially inept and as a result, not likeable.

Some people are good actors and can appear to be nice when they want something.

The point is that you make an impression during the interview process and the people you interview with make assumptions based on how you act and what you say.

When interviewing, always remember the following:

1. The hiring manager is determining not only if you can do the job but if you have the personality to get along with the other members of their group.

2. Being overly talkative during the interview might make you come across as being
desperate or aggressive.

3. Being too quiet during the interview might give the impression that you are distant and aloof even if you’re not. This is an especially important point if the job you’re interviewing for requires a “talker.”

4. Nobody likes desperation. If you appear really enthusiastic to the point of being desperate, most good interviewers will notice. No one wants to hire a desperate person. Enthusiastic, yes. Desperate, no.

5. Understand the difference between confidence and arrogance. One of the biggest turnoffs for most hiring managers is arrogant interviewees. On the other hand, you need to be confident of your abilities and you need to sell yourself during the interview. Walk a fine line between exuding confidence and arrogance.

Likeable (and qualified) people get jobs, it’s really that simple.

Likeable people are those who act naturally and let their true personality shine through.

Likeable people don’t try to be something they are not and they are comfortably confident but not arrogant.

Carl Mueller is an Internet entrepreneur and professional recruiter who wants to help you find your dream career.

Free newsletter: Separate yourself from other job searchers by signing up for his free monthly newsletter: http://www.find-your-dream-career.com/dream-career-finder.html

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Please feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your website but please don’t change any of the content and ensure that you include the above bio that shows my website URLs.

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