Take That Interview Or Promotion Review
How To Improve Your Interviewing Skills
Whenever I speak to large audiences, I’m always amazed at the surprised reaction I get when I say you should be looking around for a new position without waiting for a year to pass. Men jump around from company to company more than women do. This is one reason for the size of the gender wage gap. For other reasons see The Gender Pay Gap, or listen to Women Still Make Less Money: Here’s How To Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen To You!
Women tend to value loyalty—sometimes no matter what. And I’ll tell you what: Companies love loyalty—it saves them money on rehiring, training, or even just funding promotions. If you’re happy with your current company, you should be aiming for your next jump within it. What direction do you want to take? If you’re not happy where you are, pretend that your company could be out of business within six months. Now that’s a sobering incentive. You don’t have to take the new job, but wouldn’t it feel good to have that choice?
Here are the steps for handling an interview.
- Do your research ahead of time. You’d be surprised what you can glean from an Internet search. Try to ascertain one of the concerns of your interviewer (sales, productivity, management, etc.) and make yourself part of the solution. Find one or two things you could be excited about.
- Setup several questions to ask. Now when I say this, I want you to show off what you know while you’re finding out if this company is what you’re looking for.
- Practice these questions if front of a mirror. Are there any gestures you can add to show confidence and enthusiasm? Steepling the fingers together, as so many politicians do on TV, is a show of confidence. Sitting forward and moving your arms out from your body (taking up more space) are also good tips.
- Smile now and then. Men don’t have to, but those old stereotypes are still in play that are constantly on the lookout for She’s Not Nice. But don’t smile too much or you look subservient, you know, She’s A Pushover.
- If you’ll be interviewed by a man, be ready to interject some numbers into your conversation, and tone down the emotions.
- Have a couple of lead-ins like these ready to use:
My experience and leadership skills have prepared me to . . .
My education and talent for X will make it possible for me to . . .
My expertise with X will benefit the company in several ways . . .
Remember this is a conversation, so feel free to direct it to your strong points. And try to enjoy the process!
Tip:
Are there any unpleasant questions you’re dreading answering? Have pat answers prepared. Don’t get upset or complain about previous bosses or companies. They’ll visualize you complaining about their company. Instead, talk about deciding to go in a different direction—a positive for your career.
Further Reading:
Podcast, Working in Heels, by Nancy Clark, See Why The Time Is Right For Women In Business —You Can Benefit!
Blog, Women’s Lunch Talk, Powerful Communication For Women —How To Change “I Speak Like A Girl” to “I Know What I’m Talking About”
Website, WomensMedia, by Adena Berkman and Adelaide Fives, Setting Yourself Up for Success in the Interview Process
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