As in love at first sight, this phenomenon could be called “LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT”. And although it happens rarely, when it does happen, it can change the rules of the game in companies’ talent selection and positively influence the development of a successful and satisfying employment relationship.
I invite you to dive into the following lines and explore together how this unique connection can change the way companies select their talent, and the positive impact it generates on the development of the organization.
The concept of ‘love at first sight’ and the recruitment and selection process may seem totally disconnected, however, in both scenarios there is a surprising common thread. This unexpected parallel is that of generating an instant and powerful connection between two parties, based on a series of first impressions. In HR parlance, we call this phenomenon ‘affinity dominance’, a key mechanism that facilitates effective and successful interaction between recruiters and candidates.
For both the recruiter and the candidate, a job interview is expected to generate some chemistry. But how this notion of “chemistry” is based on mainly unconscious mechanisms is difficult to explain in rational terms.
Perhaps it is something new for recruiters to associate this quasi-romantic theme with the search for candidates to improve recruitment, for this reason, love at first sight, as presented by Shakespeare, can be an overwhelming phenomenon, but also very complex and at the same time. Just like recruiting, this type of love requires a high degree of affinity between the two parties.
This affinity can be explained through a formula called “the mathematics of love” that was developed by Hannah Fry, a mathematician at the UCL Center for Advanced Spatial Analysis in London, in which she describes and provides a solution to the “stable union problem”. , that is, to the challenge of achieving affinity between two people. According to Fry, chemistry and affinity are essential components for a successful relationship, be it romantic or work.
Just like in love, chemistry in a job interview can be hard to define. It is influenced by 90% of the brain activity that is unconscious. When two people meet and feel an instant connection, there are many non-verbal factors at play that influence the bond, laying the foundation for a strong working relationship.
Just like love at first sight, which is based on mutual attraction and the feeling of sharing a vision, in a job interview, employer and candidate may discover that they have common goals and values. This alignment can generate an immediate connection, similar to that which occurs in love at first sight.
There are even various tools designed to promote and detect the affinity between the candidate and the position or company. For example, by applying certain predictive systems, the possible job success of a candidate can be anticipated with more than 75% accuracy. This probability increases significantly when there is evidence of a high affinity between the applicant and the position offered.
Here I will try to explore how the first meeting can generate a special connection between employer and potential employee, establishing the bases for a solid and successful professional relationship.
1- The initial magnetism: a connection beyond words.
According to a landmark study by Albert Mehrabian, non-verbal communication accounts for 93% of the information we give to others. When two people meet and feel an instant connection, it is often due to non-verbal communication that goes beyond words. In a job interview, gestures, facial expression and body posture can convey confidence, empathy and enthusiasm, laying the foundation for a strong working relationship. This initial magnetism can indicate a compatibility in values and a mutual understanding, which is essential for a successful bond.
2- Alignment of objectives and vision.
Love at first sight is based on mutual attraction and the feeling that both parties share the same vision. Similarly, during the job interview, employer and candidate may discover that they share values, goals, and a common vision for the future. This alignment can create an immediate connection as you both motivate and inspire each other to work together toward shared goals. What’s more, a Randstad report states that only 35% of companies take personal skills into account for personnel selection. What they value is that they have the same vision and goals.
3- Awakening creativity and collaboration.
In love-at-first-sight encounters, there is a spark of creativity and a unique energy that can unleash surprising results. In the workplace, this spark can manifest itself in the way the employer and potential employee collaborate to find innovative solutions and develop fresh ideas. The chemistry generated during the interview can stimulate a creative environment and an enriching work dynamic, leading both parties to reach their full potential.
This factor must be taken into account, since it is one of the main ones that will mark the future of employment by 85% worldwide according to a study by Steelcase. In other words, creativity will be one of the most valued skills for the future, both for 56% of workers and for 46% of employers.
4- Trusting in mutual connection.
In love at first sight, trust is established almost instantly. In the first job interview, a level of mutual trust can develop between the employer and the potential employee. This trust can be based on intuition, previous experiences, references, and the ability to make a genuine connection. With a solid foundation of trust, both parties can move forward with confidence, knowing that they have a team they can trust.
When the chemistry between an employer and a potential employee is palpable from the very first interview, it can fuel professional and personal growth for both parties, and pave the way to a bright future where talent flourishes and thrives. “LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT” can be the beginning of an exceptional collaboration in which both parties find satisfaction, achievement and success in their joint path towards the fulfillment of goals and aspirations.
You can continue debating this issue from different angles, but to conclude, it is necessary to recognize that the first interview can mark the beginning of a great employment relationship. Just like love at first sight, the chemistry and connection that develops in that encounter can lay the foundation for a strong and successful employer-employee relationship.
Sharing values, objectives, awakening creativity and developing mutual trust are key elements to cultivate a lasting and productive relationship. But it doesn’t end there; It must be taken into account that the selection of personnel based solely on “chemistry” is not objective; it does not say anything about the training and way of working of the candidate. We must always search, investigate and find a balance between this chemistry that is generated in the interview and the technical skills that the interviewee possesses.
CEO of Ficap.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
