I recently interviewed a senior leader for a client assignment that I was running. I am not sure if the client will hire this individual, but I am definitely going to present this individual as a very good candidate for the role.
This is one person that stands out among many of the people I have met over the last few months. And I asked myself what was it about this person that made him stand out? There were other candidates who had better experience, better pedigree, and various other credentials.
But the one aspect that seemed to make a difference is humour, or rather his sense of humour.
I remember distinctly that this individual had high energy, was not cagey nor over-enthusiastic, was not condescending nor apologetic. He was pleasant, sure of himself and had a crisp and clear way of presenting his responses. And most importantly, he a good sense of humour.
I have had interactions with candidates in the past who come across as cynical and sarcastic. And the sarcasm is directed towards their employers, colleagues or even head-hunters! And it was clear that the cynicism was dragging the individual into a vicious downward spiral.
But, I digress! Coming back to the individual I was talking about.
Use humour well, and you could well have the last laugh!
But the one aspect that seemed to make a difference is humour, or rather his sense of humour.
I remember distinctly that this individual had high energy, was not cagey nor over-enthusiastic, was not condescending nor apologetic. He was pleasant, sure of himself and had a crisp and clear way of presenting his responses. And most importantly, he a good sense of humour.
I have had interactions with candidates in the past who come across as cynical and sarcastic. And the sarcasm is directed towards their employers, colleagues or even head-hunters! And it was clear that the cynicism was dragging the individual into a vicious downward spiral.
But, I digress! Coming back to the individual I was talking about.
He clearly used his positivity and his fine sense of humour to great advantage.
Is humour a good idea, especially in formal situations like job interviews? Does it always work?
- Humour works if, and only if, you are able to carry it off well, and it is not a forced effort. If you are not feeling comfortable enough to use humour, any forced effort would only back-fire.
- Humour works if the people you are interacting with, are able to appreciate the humour. The last thing you would want is to give some stiff-upper-lip executives the impression that you find the whole exercise 'a laugh'.
- Humour works once you have established your credibility and have developed a connection/ rapport with the individual(s) you are meeting. Trying to tickle their funny bone too early in the interactions would leave them wondering what you found so funny!
Use humour well, and you could well have the last laugh!
