Could You Pass the Crucial “Sit-Next-To-On-A-Bus” Test?
By Carol Kinsey Goman
A recent graduate had just been hired by one of the world’s most prestigious high-tech companies. When I asked her why she was chosen out of the hundreds of candidates vying for that position, she said that it was due to the “sit next to on a bus” test. She went on to explain that there are two categories of job applicants: “The first are those who are so brilliant and talented that they hired on the spot. The rest of us, while not as brilliant, are all smart and capable. Those who get chosen from this category are picked because we seem to be the kind of people who would be good companions on a long bus ride. In other words, we’re likeable.”
It’s not only in the hiring process where likeability is an asset, but in every aspect of your career, especially when you have the title and responsibility of leadership. Here are five factors to consider:
Likability is evaluated before confidence.
We constantly evaluate leaders looking for two sets of nonverbal signals: One set of signals conveys power, authority, and status. But the first thing we look for (especially now, when empathy has never been more important) is a collection of “pro-social” signals that display warmth, empathy, and likeability.
In other words, before we care about your confidence, your competence, or your standing in the organization, we check to see if you are “friend or foe.” We want to know if you care about us, value our opinion, and have our best interest at heart.
• Likeable body language starts by keeping your body relaxed and open. Open body language is both positive and persuasive.
• A smile is the facial expression we like the most. It’s an invitation, a sign of welcome. It says, “I’m friendly and approachable.”
• Eye contact also matters. Looking into someone’s eyes transmits energy and indicates interest and warmth. To improve your eye contact, make a practice of noticing the eye color of everyone you meet. This slightly extended gaze will make you even more likeable.
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