How a memory for names can help you get a job

A good memory for names is a sure-fire way to show employers that you’ve got the networking and interpersonal skills they need. It suggests that you’re focused and motivated, and recruiters will appreciate you making the effort to treat them as individuals.

When you’re invited to an assessment centre or interview you may find that candidates and company representatives wear helpful name badges – but if they don’t, you’ll need to rely on your powers of recall. Luckily, even if you’re prone to forgetfulness, there are a few simple strategies that will enable you to get you through social and networking situations without embarrassment.

Make a conscious effort to focus on people’s names when you are introduced to them and repeat them as soon as possible in conversation to fix them in your memory. Don’t overdo it, though – aim to come across as friendly and natural. If you’re not sure, ask the person to repeat or confirm their name sooner rather than later.

Use association to help you connect the person and the name

Memory experts recommend using association to help you recall people’s names, whether it’s a line from a song, a character from a book or film that has the same name, or a connection that you make between the name and the person’s appearance. If you make a habit of consciously putting names to faces, before long this process will become second nature – an effortless way to make a good first impression.

You’ll find more advice on how to make a good first impression on recruiters in our overview of how to manage your body language in an interview situation.
 

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Posted by Alison_TARGETjobs on 25 May 2010

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