Persuasion and manipulation are sly, yet legitimate ways to get what you want in a job interview. It’s an art, a method of influencing the interviewer, and ensures that things go favorably for you. That said, here’s what you must do in order to practice the art effectively:

The art of persuasion is a very useful tool if a person knows how to use it. It will come quite in handy in any social situation, an interview for instance. It gets you what you want within an unlimited scope, the only limit being your skill at persuasion itself. Here is a list of things to remember when attempting the subtle art of persuasion:

Practice a sample job interview with a trusted person, preferably an authority figure in her or his own right. Imagine a likely situation and act it out with conviction. This will help you objectively determine the level of skill you already possess in handling such a situation like how you talk, react and respond to what will happen. It is important that the person you practice with is an authority figure, so that person conducts the interview in a formal manner similar to how the actual interview will be handled.

At this point, treat the “interviewer” as the subject whom you are attempting to persuade. Gain the trust of the subject by listening closely to their job interview questions, their comments and how they are saying it.

Mimic the subject: Attempt to mimic the subject’s tone and volume of voice. Imitate in very subtle ways. Slowly but surely, match how the interviewer converses.

Make your subject feel secure. Perhaps appear a little submissive to their authority. This will instill a feeling of security and safety. Show interest in what the subject is saying, smile and look at the subject as you listen and speak.

Imitate the subject. Do this subtly; you do not want to appear like you are mocking the subject that will lead to your losing their trust. Simply, match what the subject does, but in your own way. For instance, if the subject speaks loudly, then speak loudly as how you would naturally do it. Do this with each of your job interview answers.

Finish the trick. Slowly stop mimicking the person; move on your own and watch them copy you. If this happens, your attempt is successful, and you may now ask what you need from the person with gentle suggestion and, well, persuasion.

If you played your cards right, you should be able to influence the subject’s behavior. Notice that the subject will slowly copy the way you move your body, or the even the way you talk. Now very subtly, make hints at what you want (for instance, getting the job) and if you’re successful, the subject will respond positively.

As you are attempting emotional and mental entry through a person’s subconscious, it would be wise to tread really carefully. Practice these useful job interview skills on authority figures in a controllable situation, for instance ask a favor from your parents, older sibling, old boss, or the local preacher. Practice makes perfect.

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