Question

As a leader or manager when conducting a job interview the vetting of an individual revolves around their experience and education. If the candidate can convince that leader or manager that they hold the right balance of experience and education then great they are hired. Should personality also be considered along with experience and education? Why or why not? Please explain fully with detail and examples.

Answer 1

Personality should be considered for front end jobs where there is considerable interactions with consumers and clients. Whether we like it or not, it is a known fact that people interact better with persons with a pleasing personality and they also trust them better. For eg., A sales manager can enjoy more sales with good knowledge and pleasing personalities. The characteristics of pleasing personalities are attractive to customers and client and they get influenced by it. Hence some buying decisions get influenced by personalities rather than product knowledge. It also results in a positive feel-good among clients and consumers. Having good and pleasant personalities enhances the mood of the place and people feel better.

But pleasant personalities cannot substitute for true knowledge and this creates a gap. Also, few customers can recognise fake personalities. For eg., many air hostesses have a fake smile when they welcome or greet their customers. Some customers can make out that and they immediately can feel the negative vibes. So personality has to be complemented with genuine care and service. Only then can it be successful. Also few customers always focus on value for money aspect and they do not concern them with personalities.Hence, knowledge or skills are the ultimate determines for a job.