If you can get a date, you can get an interview. If you can get an interview, you can get a job!
Have you ever had a date progress to a long-term relationship or marriage?
Think back; how did you meet that person – how did it progress to dating?
Likely, its attributed to being available and receptive.
The same is true for getting an interview or job. Opportunities don’t present themselves unless you make yourself available and receptive to them.
When coaching clients, I often compare interviewing to dating and jobs to committed relationships and marriage. Dating can result in committed relationships and/or marriage. Interviews can result in jobs.
The dating best practices found in the previous link are nearly identical to these job search and interview best practices:
1. Stay positive, regardless of the outcome. Every interaction is an opportunity. If the interview doesn’t result in a job, that’s ok. The more you interview, the better you become at interviewing. Its a learning experience.
2. Look your best. Wear what makes you most confident and makes you look your best. Do your hair, shave, trim your nails and tone down jewelry and fragrances.
3. Relax and have fun. Enjoy yourself. Don’t force an outcome. Having a sense of entitlement or expecting something to result from the interview creates tension and can lead to hurt feelings. Consider each interview a networking opportunity.
4. Compliment. Within reason. Don’t try to hard. You could end up looking desperate or insincere.
5. Be interesting and engaging. Stay knowledgeable about relevant news and events of interest to your industry or target company. Build rapport and find out what the other person enjoys doing.
6. Be honest and forthcoming. With a caveat: Don’t give too much away. Answer what’s asked of you, then stop. As in dating, its not time to share your life story or detail why you’re leaving your job. Don’t scare them away.
7. Plan Ahead and be timely. Who’s the interviewer? What’s their background? Research the company and their role in the company. Make sure you have the right address and print the driving directions, job description and your resume the night before. Your internet could go down the day of the interview! Give yourself travel and parking time. Don’t be late.
8. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. Give and get support by networking with other job-seekers, encourage each other, share leads, share tips, share challenges, exchange ideas and learning opportunities!
Whether searching for dates or jobs, you’ve probably registered on dating websites and job sites. Though helpful in your efforts, alone, they won’t get you noticed in a sea of available fish. It takes more than just a website to make things happen.
When you make meeting new people a priority, you improve your odds immensely. (click the link for tips on meeting new people)
How do you “Get a Date, Get an interview… Get a job?” Get out there and make yourself available and receptive to new opportunities.
As Always, Happy Networking!
Terry
Job Spot 