Likability Matters More (2025 Edition)
This article was inspired by a recent post I shared on LinkedIn that sparked a great conversation about likeability in interviews.
We’ve all been there: you walk out of an interview thinking, “I nailed every answer.” You’re confident, you’re qualified, and you’re sure the offer is coming.
But then… it doesn’t.
Here’s the reality: being likeable often matters more than being the most technically qualified.
I’ve spoken with hundreds of hiring managers over the years, and more than 90% told me they’ve made hiring decisions by choosing the candidate they liked — even when another applicant was technically more qualified.
So what’s going on here?
The Likeability Factor in Hiring
Interviews aren’t just about testing your knowledge. They’re about answering a bigger question: “Would I want to work with this person every day?”
That’s where many strong candidates fall short.
Where Candidates Go Wrong
One of the most common mistakes? Rambling.
A candidate gets asked a question they know inside and out, and they spend 2–3 minutes explaining everything they know.
To them, that proves competence. To the interviewer, it often comes across as:
- “This person doesn’t know how to keep it concise.”
- “I asked a simple question and got a long-winded answer.”
- “If they’re like this in an interview, what will they be like in meetings?”
Rambling doesn’t build connection. It creates distance.
How to Build Likeability in Interviews
The good news? Likeability isn’t about being the funniest or most outgoing person in the room. It’s about showing up in a way that feels authentic and easy to work with.
Here are two simple ways to start:
- Show up as yourself. Don’t try to be who you think they want you to be. Authenticity builds trust faster than perfection.
- Keep your answers tight. Aim for 45–90 seconds per response. That shows you’re clear, prepared, and respectful of time.
Competence and Connection
At the end of the day, interviews are less about proving you’re the smartest person in the room and more about showing you’re someone people want on their team.
The most successful candidates strike a balance: they demonstrate skills and they build rapport.
Final Thought
Likeability doesn’t replace qualifications — but it can be the deciding factor when qualifications are equal.
So the next time you prepare for an interview, remember: your goal isn’t just to give the right answers. It’s to make the interviewer think, “I’d enjoy working with this person every day.”
If you want more strategies for standing out in interviews and landing faster, check out the Rapid Results Roadmap. It’s designed to help job seekers build both competence and connection — the combination that gets you hired.