The title of the next chapter was “Interview Like a Pro.” There are many things you can do to improve the finesse of your interview. Take initiative by confidently setting goals and exhibiting assertive behavior. While it may seem natural to be timid or nervous in an interview, if you can be confident and assertive, you will have the upper hand and an edge over your competition.
Just like when playing a sport, playing in a band or singing with a choir, it’s important to prepare as if it were the real thing. The better you practice and prepare, the better you will perform when it’s time for the actual interview. Take the time to practice. If you know someone who is familiar with the interviewing process, it would behoove you to ask them to give you a trial run. Any practice is good practice!
When preparing for an interview, be sure to eliminate your bad habits, especially nonverbal ones. If you have trouble avoiding eye contact, practice holding eye contact with friends when engaging in conversation. If you tend to roll your eyes, make a conscious effort to not do so. If you cross your arms in tense situations such as interviews, practice relaxing your muscles. Keeping your arms crossed in an interview makes you appear defensive and irritated.
And, as always, be sure to follow up with a handwritten note.
Another thing you should do while conducting your job search is research the salaries associated with various positions in your field. Salary is just one of the many things you must evaluate when looking at a job offer. Other things to consider include flexibility and opportunity for personal and career development.
If you have received an offer and you think you want the job, you should thank them graciously for the interview and give them a set time to hear back from you. If you are POSITIVE you want the job, say so! Then, immediately follow up in writing. Next, quickly notify other potential employers that may be considering you for a job to let them know you are off the market. If you do not want the job, tell the employer promptly via telephone and then follow up with a letter. Thank them graciously for the offer and wish them future success. Always leave an offer on good terms.
But what if you get rejected? There was a whole chapter dedicated to “Handling Rejection.” Well, the first thing to remember is try to separate your emotion from logic (I’m not very good at that! It’s hard!) And not let it get under your skin. Just remember that setbacks are temporary, and you should continue your job search with optimism. Don’t be defensive, and own up to any mistakes you know you made during the interview. If you really analyze what you may have done wrong, you will be able to improve upon it. To show that your feelings aren’t hurt and to demonstrate initiative, ask the employer if you are more qualified to fill a different position at this time. It shows your flexibility and your willingness to be a part of their team.
The final chapter was titled “Taking Charge of Your Career.” This chapter focused on ways to make yourself more flexible and valuable as an employee once you do get that job! Remember that the most common cause of job failure is poor interpersonal skills. Always make sure you’re communicating, friendly, and easy to talk to. This will let everything else come to you much easier than someone who is hard to talk with or get along with. When mastering your new job, always keep your eagerness to learn at a maximum! Be very persistent when trying new things. Don’t give up. Be a team player and be professional with your coworkers. If the new job offers you some sort of orientation or training, PAY ATTENTION!
While it’s of the utmost importance to learn your new job quickly, you must also realize it is necessary to adapt to change. Being flexible shows your competence and ability to learn. You can do several things to keep up with the changing work world. Participate in classes or workshops (many employers will offer to pay for you to take classes) or join professional associations related to your field. Also, you can subscribe to periodicals related to your field to keep up with the latest technology and news.
Dear Reader, I know this letter has been really long and there’s been quite a lot of information to process. But I have a sincere confidence that with your work ethic, positive attitude and this list of tips and suggestions, that you will land your first job in no time at all. Always feel free to contact me if you have any questions! I wish you the best of luck on your job search!
Your Friend,
Rachel
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