The best way to get your next job series 3 – The third in a 3 part series
There are two areas of job search where conversations are critical to success, namely networking and interview performance. Good networking can lead to more opportunities for interview. Networking is critical for seeking out opportunities.
As mentioned in my earlier articles in this series what we say and don’t say is critical to making a great impression at interviews and during networking conversations. We want to build trust and relationship as we share our stories that demonstrate our strengths, talents and accomplishments.
We want to demonstrate flexibility and solid communication skills to be remembered and stand out from the crowd.
We don’t want to lose our audience of turn off people who may be critical to our next step on our career pathway.
Here are some tips to help achieve this and increase your confidence.
Networking the do’s and don’ts
- Always prepare and plan for a network meeting;
- Be clear about what you want to achieve;
- Include some brainstorming about how you could reciprocate to help out the other person and assist them to achieve what they desire;
- Focus on the other person and ask them open questions to discover more about their experience and view of the world;
- Don’t be put off if it is different to your own views – keep the conversation going and learn from them;
- Don’t assume that they see and agree with the world from your perspective;
- Don’t be drawn into arguments or intense discussion highlighting your differences;
- Focus on areas of mutual agreement to deepen the conversation;
- Listen carefully for clues for how you can market your competencies, knowledge and experience matching any needs that they have identified;
- Share some of your own stories that reinforce your message (remembering that good stories have a beginning, middle and end and don’t ramble on. Stick to the story to succinctly get your point across);
- Always remain courteous and respectful even when the meeting doesn’t really seem to help your position;
- Remember conversations go on and relationships grow over time. So don’t look at a networking conversation in isolation. A conversation may not seem important now but it might prove critical down the track.
Interviews
Prepare:
- What questions would you be asking if you were the interviewer for the job? Use the selection criteria in the job description for inspiration.
- What are the experiences, skills, knowledge and achievements that you have that demonstrate your competency for the job on offer?
- Give the interviewing panel enough detail to demonstrate how you can apply the competencies they seek.
- In areas where you may feel you don’t have enough direct experience tell them about the things you have done that may be indirectly related. For example if they are asking about your marketing experience and you do not have direct marketing experience, however, you have helped out designing some marketing brochures or providing some admin assistance to a marketing team, then tell them what you have It just may be enough to win them over.
- Always be honest as if they find out they can’t trust you at interview, they can’t trust you at all.
Practice
- Rehearse your answers to the interview questions that you anticipate. It is better if you can do a mock interview with a family member or friend.
- If that is not possible practice in the mirror or record yourself.
Perform
- Do what-ever you need to do to be fresh, energised, organised and ready to go on the day of the interview including preparing your attire. Be early, remember to breathe and greet the interviewer(s) warmly with a smile and a firm handshake where possible.
- Ask questions that help you discover more about the job and the business and the people you will be working with.
- For senior roles include some strategic questions around direction, focus, business aspirations and challenges. This is a great way to connect and build rapport with the interview panel. Great conversations and discussions will be remembered and you will be more likely to be successful at the interview.
- Do not criticise their business plans or ideas but do offer suggestions you have and try to generate more discussion.
If you are interested in learning more about networking and interview preparation to secure your next job read my new e-book Navigating the Career Transition Gridlock
The first Chapter can be viewed here
Robert Stocks is the Director of Integrated Coaching Solutions and has been delivering Career Coaching and Career Transition Coaching programs to individuals and Employers from all sectors; commercial, Government and NGO organisations over the past 9 years.
He is a “Certified C-IQ Coach” after completing a year-long program with Judith E. Glaser* and her team.
Contact Robert to discuss your job seeking needs.
M: 0403 843 604 E: robert@icoachsolutions.com
*Judith E. Glaser and the CreatingWE ® Institute are the source of the Conversational Intelligence® materials and framework. Judith E. Glaser is a renowned business strategist and sought after author and speaker. The C-IQ framework is changing lives across the globe.