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Job Interview Ideas for Nervous Job Candidates
In my work as an HR Consultant I often discuss the hidden dangers of self-promotion when I’m advising hiring managers and business owners. There’s often a misconception that the people who “perform” best during interviews will perform best on the job. For hiring managers, it comes down to helping them distinguish between job candidates who sound like they’ll make great employees versus job candidates who will actually make great employees. I’ll write about my approach to evaluating job applicants in a future post. For now, I’ll focus on how talented, experienced, and humble people can do a better job of presenting themselves during job interviews. Rather than a step by step explanation, I’ll tell a story based on something that happened fairly recently.
The Art of Incidental Networking (for Busy People)
Despite its value, many people’s eyes glaze over at the thought of networking – especially when they’re simply too busy with their jobs, children, studies, etc. Well, for those of you who just don’t have the time to attend “networking events” there’s still plenty of hope. I call it “Incidental Networking.” It is incidental in the sense that it’s something natural that fits into your normal routine. In my opinion, it’s networking in the sense that you’re building genuine relationships with other people.
Networking for Resilience
This time, I’d like to explain what I mean by networking as a way to build the resilience that will support your successful career (or to include the self-employed — support your livelihood). Let’s start by explaining what I believe networking is all about. Fundamentally, it’s not about attending networking or social events and rushing around having conversations where you try to impress others by explaining what you do and why your product or service is the best. It’s no fun to be on the receiving end of those interactions and you don’t want to be known or remembered for being “that guy” or “that woman” who would not stop talking about themselves or their interests. Similarly, networking is not about working the room to collect the maximum number of business cards at an event. Neither approach sets the stage for making the kind of first impression that will translate into something that is positive and sustainable in the long term.
Resilience and Careers – What’s the Big Deal?
So that we’re all on the same page, let’s start with a definition. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial difficulties. Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that anyone can learn and develop.
What Happened at My Recent Meet & Greet?
For starters, in keeping with the informal approach, I did not require a formal registration or even an RSVP so it wasn’t until the day of that I knew who would show up. It was an interesting mix of folks who are self-employed and work for others, but all recognized the value of an entrepreneurial spirit regardless of the work context. This is due to the fact that everyone agreed that it’s always wise to be mindful of playing an active role in managing one’s work-life and career progression.
When Hiring, Think about the “Bring vs. Learn Concept”
When I work with hiring managers and business owners, I ask them what their next employee must “bring” into the job from day one – and also what things the right employee can “learn” on the job. I call this the “Bring vs. Learn Concept.”
Work Simulations Can Be Your Best Friend …
Personally, I’m a big fan of simulations and tests as a useful supplement to job interview questions. Some people are good at talking (i.e., “performing” well during a job interview) but not doing (i.e., performing well on the job). Ideally, during the hiring process, employers should confirm that potential hires are able to perform the most important duties required of the job. For me, it allows me to mix creativity and practicality when working for employers / business owners. At the same time, I like knowing that it creates a level playing field for job seekers.
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