Career Transition Update
Today I attended a seminar titled, “Interviewing Strategies,” put on by the career transition company I am working with to assist me with me job search. I have participated in several seminars/workshops conducted by this company, Right Management, which helps individuals in career transition (in my case, being laid off) develop and fine-tune their job search and networking skills and strategies. All I can say is that things sure have changed in the 11+ years since I have last looked for a job.
So, I learned all about the “job interview” today. It’s all about selling yourself to a potential employer. To accomplish this, I need to demonstrate that there is a match between me, the employer and job: Convincing them that I:
- can do the job: my skills, knowledge, experience, accomplishments, learning potential.
- will do the job: my interest in the position, company and industry, work ethic, energy level, willingness and availability.
- fit in: likeability, chemistry, communication, values, work and management style, general interests, dress and appearance.
Basically, I am both the product and the sales person.
I learned what types of questions are asked at an interview and how to respond to them, especially the difficult questions and how to turn a negative into a positive. I already knew this, but it was reinforced that 80% of an interview is non-verbal communication, i.e., body language. And, of course, the all-important “dress for success” to present a professional image was beat into our brains.
Of course, many other things were discussed, too. Such as, being prepared (prepare yourself for the “can” do, “will” do, and “fit” in part of the interview), how much and what to/not to say, pacing, references, handling salary questions, and maintaining your dignity and self-respect.
Learning how to GET a job is a very intense process. And, in the current economic climate and with today’s job market, it’s also a very intimidating process. I have been out of the job market for so long and things have changed so much since I last looked for a job. I’m up for the challenge!
