Shift your mindset for a great interview
Several years ago, I wanted to apply for a job in Argentina but I didn't think my Spanish was strong enough. When I mentioned this to one of my favorite managers, her question in response was, "What would a man do?”
By now, you've likely read the statistics that women are significantly less likely than men to apply for jobs they aren't 110% qualified to do. We wait too long to throw our resumes into the applicant pool because we never feel "ready." Then when we finally do get an interview, we over-prepare with facts and statistics. Then we under-focus on our personal reasons for applying or we hide them because we don't want to appear ungrateful to our current employer.
When I was deciding whether or not to apply for that job in Argentina, my manager reminded me that I'd already proved I was capable of picking up a new language and relocating for a position. She advised me to get my arguments ready to show how my skills and experience were transferable to the new role. This, she explained, is what a man would do: he wouldn't be afraid that he didn't fit all of the job requirements. He'd walk into the interview with his head held high and focus on all of the ways he was right for the position.
Interview for the Job You Want, Not the One You Have
It's so important to remember that job descriptions represent "stretch goals." If you take a job that you're already doing, you'll be bored in five minutes. If you're on the market, you're likely already bored. Recruiters want to hear that you're looking to grow with their company and develop yourself as a professional. If they get the sense that you can do the new job in your sleep, they assume you'll leave in two days.
When an interviewer asks you why you want to work for their company right now, they're asking for your personal reasons. They want to know what about their company or the particular job is enticing to you. Maybe it requires skills you've always wanted to develop or opportunities not offered where you are.
They may also want to know why you're leaving your current position. Be honest. There's nothing wrong with telling a recruiter that your working relationship has run its course, the company is moving in a direction that feels out of alignment with your goals, or you are merely looking for a new challenge.
Get Your Mindset Right Before The Next Interview
Before heading into an interview, take some time to reflect on your story and review the moments when you shined.
CONSIDER YOUR WINS: Focus on the moments when you were thrown into a tricky situation with minimal guidance or asked to learn a new skill relatively quickly. Did someone comment on how brilliantly you handled yourself? If so, email them and ask for their thoughts about what you did so well.
REVIEW YOUR REVIEWS: Go through your performance reviews and pull out all of the positive comments. Then consider how you were able to do what you did.
SAVE YOUR THANK-YOU CARDS: If you don't already do this, start now. Keep a file handy so that you can remind yourself of the times when you've stepped up and helped a colleague or key stakeholder.
LOOK TO YOUR ENDORSEMENTS: Ask people to endorse you on LinkedIn and review what they say about your skills. Knowing that others believe in you can make it infinitely easier to believe in yourself.
Women don't like to brag. We downplay our accomplishments and forget that what comes naturally to us, might seem like a superpower to someone else. Bottom line: your specific skills and talents are what you need to bring forward in an interview.
It's my goal to help women stand in their power. If you're ready to do that, I'm here for you. Set up a Call today, and together we'll figure out what's holding you back.
First published Mar 2, 2020
