Being likable is the key to your career and job search success.
Both securing a new job and maintaining a job require that the right people like you. Of course, you have to have the skills and abilities to do the job, but likability is critical.
How to improve your likability?
- Develop a tangible connection (build relationships)
- Sincerely compliment
- Find ways to make others look good
- Agree with people’s ideas first
- Ask for advice from others
- Remember important personal details
- Take on tasks that visibly help
- Actively listen
- Don’t publicize your agenda
- Use someone’s name when you speak with them
- Always show respect
- Create alliances below, with peers and above
- Know what is important to others and acknowledge
- Never criticize
- Admit faults, and apologize when needed
- Be nice
- Do the “right thing”
- Choose your words carefully
- Be positive
- SMILE
Have I oversimplified? But wouldn’t you agree that being likable is key?
Perhaps, but remember, if your manager or coworkers don’t enjoy working with you, you probably won’t be there very long.
Learn more about likability by reading Likability
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
