It’s competitive out there, the market is tight, and you want to be at your best when you interview. Attitude counts. If you mentally argue with interviewers or imagine them as barriers to the job you want you’ll undermine whatever you say or do. Instead, think partnership. Think together you can make this happen, for the company and for your career.
Put your best foot forward: Lead with your strengths. Match your strengths to opportunities. If you’re not sure if a job taps into your best stuff ask questions. What does the employer need to get the job done? What has or hasn’t worked in the past? What needs to be done differently in the future? And are you the one who has what it takes to be successful? If so, say so emphatically, and have the evidence to back it up.
If you’ve been a loyal, hardworking, honest employee blindsided by an unanticipated layoff you probably need time to recalibrate before you start interviewing. If you require spiritual readjustment, talk to someone who resonates with your faith and beliefs. If you’re emotionally conflicted, talk to a therapist. If your health is compromised, talk with your doctor. If your doctor agrees, get some exercise. Talk, walk, journal, get the static out of your head and into a space with people you trust who can help you objectify subjective issues and change what you can’t control into a plan that you can.
You’ve interviewed for a job. The match is evident; the need is as obvious as it is immediate. The employer wants to hire you but doesn’t have the money for a long- term commitment. Should you walk or talk? Talk. Reframe the discussion. Convince her to hire you on a project basis with no overhead or commitment other than to pay you for work completed. It’s a win-win that provides relief for them and opens doors for you.
Network effectively and you’ll find jobs that aren’t advertised. Succinctly describe what you do best and how you solve problems, increase revenues, protect bottom line. Then ask for ideas and directions to where the openings are and whom you need to talk to once you get there.
Cover letters are still relevant, to you and to prospective employers. Writing them enables you to state your interests and describe ways you add value. Formulating them gives you practice in answering the questions they’re likely to ask: Tell me about yourself; describe your strengths; your career goals; why we should hire you for this job.
I’m all for fragrances, garlic and anchovies, and if you’re a smoker, that’s
your business. Just be aware that what you spray on, chew, or inhale will be exhaled in the interview. Don’t let a habit, preference or indulgence turn a possibility into a non-starter. Delay your odorous gratifications for later.
Sometimes less is too little and more is too much. If you say too little about your abilities, experience and potential the interviewer’s going to think less of you. If you overwhelm the interview with too many stories or too much hype you’re more than likely to close the door on what you seek. Balance is key. If you don’t know how to find it, ask people who have and are willing to tell you.
Whether you’re looking for a job, wanting to advance, or just wanting to hang on, don’t isolate yourself. If you do, you can be working on the wrong things, out of the loop about the right things, and marginalizing yourself regarding the most important things. Get out there, find out what’s going on, apply what you do to what’s needed most to advance the company and you’ll advance yourself as well.
