Just changed careers and looking for a job? But worried you’re not going to land a role because of your background and experience or lack thereof? The times have changed and traditional ways of the interview have changed for the better.
The rare talent community has exploded and companies are searching for the best talent to suit their business needs.
In the same breath, you are also looking to work for a brand or company that resonates with you and meets YOUR interests and needs.
Just as devs can reprogram programs and applications to perform a particular function or solves a problem, we too can reprogram the way we perceive and approach in our interviews.
What I noticed that isn’t commonly shown is that interviews are a 2-way street. We don’t have to play the humble, passive employer, but be assertive and ask just as many questions as they would us. Don’t place yourself in the passenger seat. You have as much power as the hiring manager.
Here are a few handy takeaways along my journey and what I kept reminding myself when doing interviews that landed me multiple gigs!
- Own your voice and story. No matter which walks of life you came from, your story is so unique and the experience acquired is a valuable one. You can use what you have and mould the story to fit the role you are looking for. You’re in charge here and get to determine what you want to paint for the viewer!
- Pick apart the company or brand and ask niched-down questions that lead them to get into the specifics of their company.
Example:
- How will this role challenge me on a daily basis?
- What kind of value do you place on the role I’m applying for?
- Can you describe an audacious thing the company has done in the past year and how did you and the teamwork together to achieve that?
- What would surprise me most about working here?
- What do the most successful new hires do in their first month here?
- You are not in the passenger seat. You are in the driver’s seat. You get to drive how you want this to go as well.
See yourself as an artist doing a tour around the world, showcasing your music, art, or craft and you get to choose the gigs you would like to perform or not perform at.
This is your chance and significant moment to disrupt the standard rules, smash that interview of your next gig and continue being the bold and unapologetic individual you are. Whether you landed the role or not, at the end of the day it is simply a conversation between two people aspiring to meet a particular goal.
With this knowledge, I impart to you, so go get em!
