Master the Interview!
Ugh, another interview; when will I land a job?
Sound familiar? No worries—you're not alone! It would be great if we nailed that first interview and landed that offer on the first shot. Although this can happen, it's not the norm. The truth is that we are competing with other candidates who are interested in the same opportunity. Our competition is a mixed bag; some have extensive experience, others share a similar background, and others are just getting started.
Because of this, we must show up ready to make a positive impression. Have you ever heard of dressing for the part? What we wear to our interview is part of the first impression, but it does not end there. Our professionally written resume opened the door to this interview, but we must be ready to shine once we're in. Our ability to share our professional story, respond to questions, and share examples of work we've done or challenges we've overcome is essential to adding color to our background. Have you ever stumbled when asked where you see yourself in 3-5 years? Being clear about your professional goals, strengths, and weaknesses, and your ability to speak to these are part of showing confidence. You might not know where you want to be in 5 years, but you can discuss your immediate goals and how you're working towards them.
When done right, an interview is a professional conversation. The goal is to land the right opportunity for you, and let's be honest, only some opportunities are the right fit. In today's workforce, it's not just about the salary. Salary is a piece of the puzzle for some job seekers, but work-life balance may weigh heavier. Having clarity of what you want and what is important to you will help you make the right decision.
I spoke about the outfit, interview readiness, and clarity. Part of the first impression also includes how we interact after the interview(s). When showing interest in moving forward in the hiring process or choosing to withdraw your candidacy, a thank you note shows your professionalism, is well received, and is an opportunity to share additional details you'd like them to consider.
Dealing with rejection is not easy; we may sometimes take it personally. It's easy to understand; however, as mentioned earlier, the interview process is competitive. Just like we should be looking for the opportunity that best fits our goals and lifestyle, employers must select candidates who best suit their goals and objectives.
When you don't land the job, sending a thank-you note shows professionalism and maturity and leaves the door open for future opportunities. Therefore, be the best version of yourself during the entire recruitment process. Don't let setbacks or disappointments take away your shine. "NO" is not always final, and sometimes, "NO" is the correct answer for you.
Eileen Gonzalez, CPCC