I’ve always loved interviewing. Despite the nerves that happen when you have to perform, I genuinely enjoy talking about my accomplishments and why I’m awesome 😉
I’m aware that I may be in the minority here. It seems that most women not only dislike interviewing, they dread it. I understand why – women are socialized to be modest and accommodating, which somehow seems in contradiction to singing our praises. Grace Killeen, the author of The Confidence Effect, says it well: “We think working hard is enough, and then think ‘if I just keep my head down and I’m a good girl and I work really hard I’ll be rewarded.”
This mindset makes it difficult to advocate for ourselves, whether it’s during an interview or a performance review. I’m teaching a webinar on May 17th to show you how to rethink your approach to “self-promotion” and how to spin your story in a way that will make you feel good and knock their socks off.
I think I enjoy interviewing because I’m proud of what I’ve done and who I am and I want to share that with the world. I love the challenge of figuring out how to tailor my story to what the job requires. I also know that even if I don’t get the job, I’ve now established a relationship with someone who may end up being beneficial later in my career. (I once didn’t get a job but the interviewer followed up with me after and ended up becoming a mentor.)
Here are a few tips that have helped me:
- Get as much intel as possible. Gain a solid understanding of what this job entails, the skills you need, and what the company culture is. This will help you present yourself in a way that is most relevant to them.
- Talk about the things you’re super passionate about and inspired by. Enthusiasm is infectious!
- Remember that it’s not just about your accomplishments, it’s about how you work with a team, if you’re a fast learner, and your ability to work hard to address whatever challenges come your way.
- Practice out loud. The more you hear yourself say how fantastic you are, the more you’ll believe it 🙂
Now go get paid.
x Claire
PS: Don’t forget to sign up for our How to Nail the Interview webinar!