When It Comes To Interviewing, Just Be Yourself

by -

bruce-jenner

Bruce Jenner.  Unless you’ve been living in a cave, no doubt you’ve heard or seen or read about his decision to start living the life he has always wanted to live.

He’s finally going to start being true to himself rather than trying to simply fit in.  

While his case is an extreme, really don’t we all play a little bit of a game when it comes to being true to ourselves?

Especially at interview time.  Sometimes we paint a picture or act in ways that might be just a tad bit different from the person we actually are, instead of simply being ourselves.

Maybe we’ve been out of work for quite some time and we need the money that comes with the job.  Maybe it’s our “dream” company and we would do anything to get our foot in the door.  Maybe we are super excited about the actual work that comes with this particular job.

Whatever the case, we may do our best to fit in; to act a certain way during the interview process to secure an offer.

Nothing bad, mind you, it’s just that we may say or do things that are not exactly in line with our personality.  Or we may ignore little “red flags” that say “Your personality would not fit in with this corporate culture”.

Take me, for example.  I’m a very straight-forward, get-the-job-done kind of person.  I succeed in an environment that allows me to lead my team, to make decisions and to move the work forward.  An assertive leader, it’s my opinion that the best way to succeed is to understand the situation, set goals, formulate a strategy to achieve those goals and execute the tactics, knowing that there will be changes along the way.  I enjoy working with a strong, assertive leader as well; someone who will not hide from tough decisions or conversations.  And they’ve got to have a good sense of humor; I love to have fun at work too.

What if I ignored these known facts about myself during an interview?  What if pretended that instead, I was a bit more laid back and was okay with not having answers?  Or if I somehow knew that my assertive leadership capabilities would not be appreciated, and the corporate culture preferred a more easy-come, easy-go approach? Or any sense of humor would fall on deaf ears?

At best I would sit in silent frustration.  At worst, both the company and I would realize that while we both desired to do good work, our methods of achieving the outcome would be dramatically different.

It would mean that I was not being true to myself from the beginning, just to get the job.

I’ve said before that job hunting is a lot like dating.  And successful dating means being yourself; allowing the other person to see the real you in order to make an informed decision.

Same thing for accepting a job.  Just because it’s your “dream company”, if you have to suppress your personality during the interview or when you arrive for work, it probably is not a good fit long-term.

Right now, if you haven’t done this already, think about who you are.  The real you; your good qualities and bad; how you interact with people and how you work.  List them out.  Think about how this fits into a corporation’s culture.  (This is not to say we can’t include areas for self-improvement – I’ve got a list of those too.  Yet for this moment, know where you stand.)

When it comes to interviewing, just be yourself.  You owe it to yourself and to your employer.  Your success depends on it.

Sometimes You Can’t Beat Experience

by -

doubtandfear[1]

Do you ever wonder about your capabilities at work?  Perhaps you wonder if you’re really any good at what you do, or if you’re even remotely smart.

No? Well lucky you. You can quit reading now.

Despite years of job success and multiple degrees which tell me otherwise, I sometimes doubt my intelligence.

This doubt permeates my thinking when more confident (read: cocky) individuals are present.  Not one to boast, I’m usually left wondering if I really have anything to offer at all.

Many times I think I’ve got a good answer to whatever we are discussing. Part of me wants to chime in, many times in disagreement as I believe others at the table are incorrect in their assessment.  The other part of me wants to keep my mouth shut just in case they are, indeed, correct.

So I sit in silence with Mr. Doubt Monster.

For me, one of the best ways to confirm my intelligence is to spend time with students.  I love working with college marketing classes and mentoring the kids who are pursuing careers in marketing or PR.  Each time I head to campus though, my doubt monster pops into my head, trying to convince me that I don’t have much to offer.

I have learned to kick that doubt monster out of the car.

Once on campus and engaged in the classroom, any doubts are quickly erased as I realize how much I really know.  To me, the points I share are just things that are part of my job and have become second-nature. To the students, they are something new and interesting to learn.

Here’s the deal:  Experience is one heck of a teacher. The lessons happen daily without formal tests so it’s hard to gauge success.  Trust me when I say that time + experience = lessons learned.

We don’t realize how much we’ve actually gained throughout our careers until we start sharing that knowledge with students who are only armed with textbook knowledge.

Recently a student contacted me about a class marketing project, wanting to ask some questions and run a few things by me to see if she was on the right track.  It involved a consumer promotion which is right up my alley.

After reviewing the information, I quickly started asking questions that she and her group had not considered.  In my mind, this was rudimentary.  But to her it was mind-blowing. And I realized just how much I knew, and that this knowledge was valuable.

She’s not dumb and I’m not Einstein.  It’s simply that years of hands-on corporate work give me a lot of experience in this arena.

It’s an awesome feeling to realize how much you know.  And that this knowledge is useful to a company and others.

Lesson here is to truly understand what you’ve learned from working for so many years. Be able to articulate that knowledge when interviewing.  Share that knowledge with those just starting out, as they will appreciate the help. 

School is great – and necessary; it gives us the foundation to build our careers.  But sometimes you can’t beat experience.

Read This To Guarantee You Will Never Get The Job You Want

by -

try

For those who might be interested in finding a new job, whether you’ve got a job now or are unemployed, here’s a quick tip for you that’s sure to be a success.  I’m so sure of this strategy that it might be worth writing down so you will remember it.

By implementing this approach, I can guarantee you will not get what you want, whether it’s an interview, the job, a girl – whatever.

Here it is:

Don’t try.

That’s right; simply don’t try.  It’s super easy. Don’t apply for the job, don’t try during the interview and certainly don’t ask that special someone out.  Success – or failure, depending on how you look at it – is guaranteed.

One of my clients shared with me this statement, which I believe is attributed to hockey’s great Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.  What Wayne was really saying is that we are guaranteed to never get what we want if we don’t try.

I can hear you all hand slapping your heads in amazement, awed at this revelation. (Note the sarcasm)  One would think Wayne’s statement is a no-brainer. Yet based on conversations I’ve had or witnessed during my work with those in the job market, it appears that there are lots of people who are good at not trying.

Personally, trying is something I think I’m good at. If there is something I really want, I will try for it.

Back in high school the number one thing I wanted was to be on the dance team that performed during half-time at football games.  Dancing was in my blood; I had been taking lessons since I was three years old.

When try-outs came there was fierce competition for a very limited number of openings. Despite my dance background, I didn’t make the team.  And I was crushed.

I allowed myself a couple days of pity as I considered my options.  Try again was the first thing that came to mind.

Meeting with the team coach, I learned which techniques I needed to improve on to qualify.  Every night for an entire year I practiced in front of the mirror in my bedroom, stretching, dancing and smiling.  I knew that I was either going to make the team or die trying.

My efforts paid off; at the next try-out I made the team.  But if I had never tried – if I had given up – I would have guaranteed myself a seat in the bleachers instead of on the field.

Same can be true for us at work.  If we are not in the right job or if we want to move on to something different we have to put forth the effort and try in order to find something new.  Just waiting for a new job opportunity to land in front of us rarely results in success.

We have to hush that little voice in our head that says, “I probably won’t get the job”; “I don’t think I’m qualified”; “I don’t have time to update my resume/search for a job/network with people I know”.

What the voice is really saying is, “Don’t try”.

I get it; trying is hard work.  It takes time and patience and it means accepting the fact that failure may happen.

Yet successful people try again and again and again, until they get what they want.

Remember, if you don’t try you will miss every opportunity.  Guaranteed.

Own Your Strengths

by -

Woman with Shopping Bags

Hi – my name is Tami, and I’m a…a…retailer. 

Yes, I’ve known this for quite some time.  Why haven’t I told you before?  Oh, I don’t know.  It’s one of those things that sometimes just doesn’t sound as good as I’d like it too.

Being a retailer is not an easy career path, and it’s one that I chose to pursue when I was in graduate school.  Retailing has everything: strategy, products, logistics, finance, communications, marketing and sales.  It’s old fashioned, with brick and mortar stores, yet so twenty-first-century with ecommerce and mobile apps.

My favorite part is that it’s fast-paced and constantly changing.  We had a saying at my first retail job out of school: you’re only as good as yesterday’s sales.  It’s a constant tug between “how did we do” and “what is our next big thing”, always striving to be better.  To be a good retailer, you need to be able to move between creative and analytical in a heartbeat.  It’s stressful even in slow periods.  And holidays – or should I say “what holidays”?  They are super busy when everyone else has time off.

And I love it!

For some reason I understand the business model, I like the frenetic pace, I enjoy mixing creativity, strategy and analytics, and above all, I enjoy seeing the results.

So why am I telling you this? 

After the layoff I was afraid to tell people I was a retailer.  Not because I was ashamed but because I wanted to cast a wide net in the job search and didn’t want to be exclusively defined by this title.  Frankly, I was afraid of being viewed as a “one-trick pony” when I knew I had much more to offer.

So what did I do?  I came up with some snazzy words to convey the type of work I did to avoid pigeon-holing myself into one industry.   I played down my past employment and spoke in general terms about my experience.

The result? In doing so I ignored my biggest strength:  I am a retailer and I thrive in that type of environment.

My advice to anyone looking for work is to be truthful about who you are in the work force and what type of work makes you tick.  Own your strengths and be truthful with yourself.

Otherwise you’ll end up miscast in a job that’s not right for you.  The last thing you want is to be a square peg pushed into a round hole.

This doesn’t mean you have to stay in your current industry.  As I discovered, my retail skills were transferrable to other industries and other disciplines.  The important thing is to determine what you excel at and apply those strengths to new opportunities.

The lesson here? It’s OK to be who you are. In fact, you need to own it. Your next employer wants it that way.

Practice Makes Perfect

by -

Chocolate Cake Slice with Raspberries

“You are a ROCK STAR!” read the text from my PR guy.  Yes, PR people have PR people – it’s a real thing; look it up.

“That was awesome; you did great!” read an email from someone else.  “I can’t wait to watch the video,” said Hubby, who happened to miss the entire thing.

I may charge Hubby a fee for missing it. He claims being on an airplane is a good excuse.

The “It” I’m talking about was my first live online video chat through Google Hangout for the website Resume Edge. The topic was “How to Bounce Back After a Job Loss”, something I discuss when I’m invited to speak to various groups and a subject I’m very familiar with.

Why was I so nervous going into the Hangout?  Maybe it was it because this was my first time using this platform.  It’s always intimidating to try new technology for the first time – with everyone watching – and no IT guy nearby in case I needed help.  Maybe my nerves were acting up because I would have to think on the fly to answer questions as they came in.  Who knows?

So what does a good presenter do in such a situation? Have a Plan B.  And C.  And D, if you think you might need it.

Boy did I have back up plans!  My iPad was charged up and standing by in case my laptop failed me.  My smart phone was on the desk just in case.  I had my notes open side-by-side with the Hangout app so I could see both screens.  If all else failed, I planned to pick up my laptop with the built-in webcam and give everyone a tour of my house, hoping they would be confused and think they tuned in to HGTV or something.

You’d think I was some sort of Hangout savant.

Yet none of my back-up plans were necessary.  Things went smoothly.  Easy-peasy. Piece of cake.

Truth be told, the reason it went so smoothly was that I practiced.  A lot.

First I reviewed all of my presentations on the subject, taking notes and thinking about possible questions that may be asked.  Hubby assisted by randomly throwing questions at me at different times of day to see if I could answer intelligently.  He’s such a helper.

Next, I scheduled a Hangout with my PR guy to test the technology.  Good thing, too, since we quickly discovered that my computer’s internal microphone wasn’t working.  Yikes.  That would have been awful for everyone except those who could read lips.

Once I got the mic working, I spent hours practicing in front of my webcam. Rehearsing as if this were the real-deal.   Also gave me a chance to make sure the lighting was right and the background looked good.

All of the dress-rehearsals paid off.  There were some tech issues – the Hangout kept telling me I needed to login when I was already logged in – but like any good actor I just kept going.  I figured I was either doing a great job, or if I was talking to no one I’d get a text telling me they could no longer see me on the screen.

Practice.  No one likes to do it yet it can pay off in the end.  I am certainly not a fan of talking to myself in front of a video camera.  Boy, am I glad I did.

Same thing applies when you prepare for a job interview.  Practice answering interview questions – out loud.  There’s nothing like having to say the words.   At the very least prepare a list of possible questions you might be asked, then type out your answers.  If nothing else, you will have given it some thought and will not be “winging it”.

Practice allows you to enter the interview with confidence.  If you’re thrown a curveball question, it’s easier to respond.  True, the answer may not be perfect yet imagine what might happen if you tried to “wing it” in this situation?

Practice, people!  It’s what you should do.

Five Truths About Unemployment That Everyone Should Know

by -

computer job pic

The job market is getting a lot of attention again these days.  The unemployment rate is either up or down, depending on the day of the week it seems.  There are still layoffs – Macy’s just announced one.  Another report I read stated that companies, fearful of the economy, may be slow to hire despite the fact that business has picked up.

We hear all about the business side of unemployment, yet almost nothing about the less tangible effects.  Although these sometimes are more powerful than anything else, because they affect us on a personal level.  Yes, there is more to unemployment that losing a job.

Here are five truths about unemployment that everyone should know:

It’s boring.  That’s right; being unemployed is boring. I know you’re shocked to hear this, huh?  After all, who hasn’t stated at one point or another that being laid off would allow time to do all sorts of great things, from cleaning out the closets, to spending time at the gym, to writing the great American novel.

Truth be told, without the pressure of deadlines looming, we tend to procrastinate even more than we did when we were busy at work.  Besides, we didn’t really want to clean, or spend time at the gym.  And it turns out that for most people, writing the great American novel sounds like fun but after the first paragraph it’s a bit dull.

Shopping is out of the question as we try to conserve resources. With boredom setting in, we allow the TV and couch to draw us into their cocoon as we curl up to watch endless hours of Honey Boo-Boo.

It’s Socially Challenging. In more ways than one, I might add. First, we lose our identity when we lose our job.  I’ve talked about this before – we all say we’re not defined by our jobs, but just wait till that first encounter with a friend or former colleague who asks, “So where are you/what are you doing now?”

Take my advice: Develop your answer and practice saying it out loud before you leave the house, so it rolls off the tongue instead of causing you to mumble something like, “Uh, I, um..well, I used to… I mean…I…now I, uh, play computer solitaire.”

Our social network is suddenly diminished without our jobs.  The loss of daily interaction with others – even if they are only FAW’s (Friends at Work) – can be stifling.  Our friends aren’t available for us; they are busy working or raising a family or have other obligations.

Desperate for contact, we find ourselves reaching out to anyone who will listen, striking up conversations with random strangers in the grocery store and at the gym.  For me, the dog has become a source of companionship although I think she’s giving me a hint to stop talking when she wanders off to her crate while I’m in the middle of a story.

It’s Emotional.  This one is a bit surprising in that it’s not just one emotion but a series of emotions that happen over time. We try to put up a brave front with friends, telling them we are fine, we’ve got several “irons in the fire” and are “looking into some opportunities”, because we are never sure exactly which emotion is in control at that moment.

Similar to other life events, a job loss can trigger a flood of feelings including anger, embarrassment, sadness, bitterness, happiness, self pity, loss of confidence, and fear.   The emotions come in waves, and you have to ride each wave all the way.  True happiness eventually comes, although it takes some time.

Warning: Don’t be fooled by immediate feelings of happiness due to new-found free time. Happiness is fickle and will make you feel giddy one minute, then crash down around you the next.  Heaven forbid you are hormonal at the same time.

It’s Work.  And you thought your job was full of pressure?  Try full-time job searching and networking, not to mention keeping track of who you’ve spoken with and which companies you’ve applied to.  If you’re like me and add consulting or part time work to your schedule, it’s really busy!  The calendar of coffee dates alone is enough to drive you nuts. Of course that might just be the caffeine talking.  I’ve found it best to stick to decaf.

It’s Filled with Uncertainty.  Financial uncertainty for sure – duh, that should go without saying.  Then there’s the bigger question of “When will I find another job?” Because that, of course, plays into the financial uncertainty.

This is followed closely by a series of questions designed to keep you awake at night with your stomach in knots.   “What kind of job?” “At what point should I just take any job?” “How low do I have to go when it comes to salary?”  “Will I have to move to another city?”  Sometimes this uncertainty takes a nap during daylight, only to return when you are ready to sleep. It’s a vicious cycle.

One thing is certain: a job loss is life-changing.  Hopefully it changes you for the better. Just remember that there’s more to unemployment that losing a job.

Ready, Set, Action! Searching for a New Job

by -

What’s the most important part about searching for a new job? 

A.      A fabulous resume

B.      Confidence in your abilities

C.      Making a connection with the interviewer

D.      Wearing the right clothes

I’m sure you’re thinking that if the clothes make the woman, then the answer must be D.  While nothing makes me happier than rockin’ a new outfit, it’s not the right answer here.  This is a trick question; none of the answers are correct.

The most important part of a job search is actually applying for a job!  It’s taking action to get a reaction.   Sounds simple, right?  If so, when was the last time you took positive action and sent out a resume?  While you still had a job?  Hmmm?

We all reach a point in our careers where we are curious to see what else is out there.  It could be that we’re tired of our current situation, bored with our work, ready for some new water-cooler chat or simply curious to see if the grass really is greener on the other side.  Oh, we all talk a good game, venting our frustrations with overused phrases like, “That’s it; I’m getting out of here”, and “I can’t take this anymore”, and my personal favorite, “I wish they would just give me a package to leave”.  

Yeah, right. Those of us who have been to the Land of Layoff know that those packages are never as good as we expect them to be. 

When push comes to shove, most of us rarely take action.  We sit back and wait.

I imagine actors preparing for a scene would have similar issues taking action, if it wasn’t for the annoying guy with the clapperboard shouting, “Action!” Maybe we would be more motivated to search for a job if we had an annoying guy with a board shouting at us.  

I’ve always been a fan of periodically applying for jobs as they present themselves – even if I’m perfectly happy with my current situation.  Some think that’s crazy, yet for me it is about self-empowerment.  Just applying for opportunities can give me an energy boost that’s better than any caffeinated beverage.  The upside of taking action is that I feel like I’m in the driver’s seat, in control of my career. 

The added bonus is that occasionally applying for a new job gives me the discipline to keep my resume updated.  If I’m fortunate enough to land even a phone interview, it may confirm my satisfaction with my current job – or show me that there are new companies I might enjoy working at.  Not to mention that it helps me understand my value in the work place.

Note that I’m not so much advocating that we all leave our jobs as I am persuading us to keep our resumes – as well as our interview skills – up to date.   This way we’ll be prepared when we do see a great opportunity, or if the unfortunate pink slip lands on our desk.

It’s easy to buy the new outfit, update the resume and talk a good game.  The hard part is taking action.