Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Nail a Job Interview?
‘Weary Traveler’ Asked:
Six months ago, I quit my management job. Since then, I have been doing travel contracts outside of my home state. I have applied for several jobs and had a few promising interviews. I have not been offered any of the jobs though. I want to get back home and be with my husband and daughter. What am I doing wrong in my job interviews?
Dr. Zoe Answered:
I don’t know what you are doing in your interviews, but I know that most women don’t sell themselves well. We are conditioned to be humble, not boastful, to be a “nice” girl. We don’t want to be misconstrued as arrogant or the “B” word. We even stray away from seeming too driven.
This is not the time. A job interview is a sales pitch of you to the company. This is the time to brag and speak up about all of your wonderful talents. I hope that you are doing this.
The only people who can provide accurate feedback are the ones with whom you are interviewing. Please make sure to follow up on every rejection with a polite request for constructive criticism. This should look like:
1. Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview with them.
2. Congratulate them on finding a good fit for the position.
3. Let them know you are open to other or future positions in the company.
4. Request constructive feedback on your interview performance.
Most interviewers don’t receive follow-ups and will be happy to provide the reason why they passed on you and some tips for better interviewing next time. The follow-up may even lead them to consider you for future positions.
If you still aren’t getting any bites, consider hiring a coach to review your resumé and conduct some mock interviews with you.
Presenting yourself for job interviews can be a daunting, self-esteem beating process. Work on increasing your positive self-talk and visualizing yourself months down the road, employed and over this hump.
You’ve got this! It just takes a little grit and grace.
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The head of Grit & Grace Life has done her fair share of hiring employees for her businesses through the years. Hear her 5 tips for successfully interviewing for a job…
