What does it take to advance in an interview?
There are many personality attributes that impact the outcome of that first interview: Your energy, your self awareness, your level of preparation, your curiosity, and your sense of optimism. Those elements, if positive, in combination with being a reasonable match to the opportunity, should move you through to the next round.
What does it take to improve your odds of keeping your job or getting another?
The same attributes that move you from one level to the next in an interview can sustain or advance you when you’re on the job or looking for another. For starters, be mindful of your surroundings and the expectations your employer has of you: Employers and co-workers who are committed to the company and their own advancement want to work with people who have a positive attitude, positive energy, who are prepared, every day, to do their jobs, who are curious about what else they can do, how else they can benefit others (and themselves) and the business that pays them to do what is asked of them, and more.
Why network?
Most job opportunities are not advertised. They open and close quickly, filled with individuals that have been recommended by insiders and some outsiders who know the company and understand the challenge. Since that’s the way it goes, you need to position yourself by introducing yourself and your abilities to as many people as possible, who in turn know people, who in turn might be sitting on top of the pot of gold you’ve been seeking.
What’s the most effective way to network? Begin with people you know personally, whom you respect, who are connected to others in the community (i.e. you might like a hermit, but hermits have limited access to the world you want). These people don’t have to be influencers, they just need to be willing to connect you to other people they know and respect. Let them know what you do, why you care, and what you are looking for. Ask for their help in guiding you to people who in turn might know of an opportunity that could be a good fit for you. Then keep it going, make those calls, have those meetings, and at some point you’ll intersect with the right job for you.
What does it take to network when you’re an introvert and reluctant to engage?
Get comfortable with the process: make a list of contacts (people you already know and trust); what you should say (that you’re looking, and what you’re looking for; that you would appreciate brainstorming with them for ideas about people to talk with who might know where appropriate positions might be); and the outcome you want (a job that’s the right match in an organization that’s the right fit). And after you’re comfortable with how it goes, practice so you know what you want to say. When you’re ready (and you will get ready) pick up the phone and make an appointment.
