Part Time Adult

I’m not talking about “likes” as the cover suggests, but I appreciate them.

The power of like applies to many facets of life.

This is the story of my grad school interview.

When I sat down with my interviewer she didn’t beat around the bush, which I appreciated. The first words out of her mouth were that on paper I had what it took to succeed in the program.

The purpose of the interview was to find out more about my personality, and try to see if I was a good fit. She said that by the end of the interview I would know whether she would recommend I get accepted or not.

The interview was scheduled for 30 minutes. It went on for 90. Three minutes in I knew that I was going to be accepted. We talked about all sorts of things. We spent a good amount of time talking about sports, athletic administration at the university level and the importance of relationships. There were lots of smiles. It was a real conversation, and I appreciated that.

I tell people all the time, an interview is just a glorified conversation, though I understand if folks get a little nervous. I was nervous that day, but she made me feel comfortable which helped me do well.

I felt great afterward.

After my interview I called my best friend to let him know how it went. He was a banker who made his living off of his relationships with his clients, not just pushing numbers around. He said one thing that stuck with me.

“At the end of the day people want to do business with people they like.”

I knew I was in.

Not long after that day. I got an E-mail at work.

Here goes nothin’. … I double click.

I got in!

My coworker, Brandon, was in the next office. I put my phone up against the window to show him the E-mail.

• 

• 

• 

He still has this photo on his phone.

Many skills can be taught, but folks naturally gravitate to likable people. If you can combine being smart, talented and likable you’ll be the closest thing to unstoppable.

The concept of likability has increasingly shown itself to be important in my professional life. I’ve seen some extremely talented people put roadblocks up for themselves, because people don’t enjoy being around them. It was heartbreaking, because many of them were so unaware that they were having this effect on people.

When I got into a position where I was a hiring manager, that conversation with my best friend always popped back into my head.

“At the end of the day people want to do business with people they like.”

Our coworkers tend to be the people we spend the most time with, so it just makes sense to connect with people who don’t make your stomach hurt every time you see them.

On paper, everybody’s the same: a great communicator, a team player, a quick learner, able to work under pressure, a leader, an active listener, a leader, etc.

Me, too. So is the person behind every resume I’ve ever read. I get it.

You can go to the best schools. Get all the grades, and look shiny on paper, but after a while, if your personality drains your teammates. … You might be updating your resume sooner that you think.

And now you have to go into the deep, dark recesses of your closet where that one suit or dress you own lurks. You know the one. It’s the one you wear for special occasions: job interviews, weddings and funerals.

And catching bad guys
And your LinkedIn profile image

It’s ok. I have one, too, in black and blue and gray, just in case, which in Austin, TX, might be three suits too many. This place is really laidback, but the people are super nice, and that’s just one reason why this city is winning and why the world is moving here.

I’ll still hold on to the black one at least, just in case.

In Conclusion

Being likable is a strong quality that can open a lot of doors. It doesn’t matter how talented or smart you are if no one wants to be around you. Being pleasant to be around is addictive.

What do you think? Is being likable valuable, or is it overrated? Let us know what you think below.

Thanks for reading!

Aurelio, Part Time Adult