Job Interviews and The Baggage You Bring

Nobody wants to hear about your problems and baggage, especially in the job interview. But nobody’s perfect.

Some peoples lives begin to sound like a Soap Opera because there have been so many extenuating circumstances.

The following tips will help handle those tricky situations that may be difficult to talk about and explain.

A Career Change with No Or Little Experience At The New Career.

1. If you are changing careers you will want to focus on the “softer” skills - referred to as “portable” or “transferable” skills.

Examples of soft skills are, communication skills, ability to work with a diversity of people, ability to plan and organize, time management, etc.

2. All candidates are unique. What is it that makes you unique?

Personal traits could be the tie breaker between two equally qualified people. Think about your personality and your personal traits. One of the things that the interviewer is looking for is “someone to fit in,” “who is likeable,” who will work well with the other team members. Think of at least five personal traits that make you unique ” friendly, flexible, quick learner, reliable, responsible, easy to get along with.

3. If you believe you can do that job, you must first, believe in yourself and show confidence in the fact that you can do the job.

It is far easier to sell and influence someone to buy when you believe in your product and its reliability. Any sales person will tell you that.

4. Prepare five to ten questions to ask about the company.

It is also important to listen to what is said as a way to formulate other questions. If a certain topic, for example, “databases,” has been brought up, be sure to ask questions about the database; the challenges and the problems with the database.

5. Prepare stories about your past experiences where you used similar skills that would be needed for the position you are interviewing for.

You will have a better chance of showing the interviewer that you have used similar skills even if the job duties are different when you can show examples of past successes.

Reentering The Workforce After An Extended Absence.

1. Be able to explain why you have decided that now is the time for you to return to the work force ” why now?

Have a convincing statement about your goals or intentions of staying in the work force after being away for a period of time - this is best done by scripting and practicing your answer so that you feel confident saying it in the interview.

2. Make sure that you are up-to-date on changes that have occurred in your field in your absence.

You might need to take a brush up class or course. It is important that you are able to show that you can “hit the ground running,” particularly with so many candidates to choose from in this economy.

3. Do some research, using the internet to discover what is required in the type of position you are seeking.

Job postings are “wish lists” that employers put together in hopes of finding the perfect candidate. Use these postings to see what employers are seeking and make sure that your resume and your interview answers address the employer’s “wishes.”

4. Focus on your strengths - the skills that you have used in the past.

If your strengths are in sync with the employer’s wish list, emphasize your ability and past experiences using those skills to show that you have “been there and done that” and can do it again. Think of five skills that you consider you do “best.”

5. After the interview, send a follow up letter (or email) to remind the interviewer what you would bring to the position and to address any concerns that you may have picked up on during the interview.

Returning To Work After Time Off For Children.

1. It is very important to assess what you have to offer.

Remember to tell about the “added value” you can bring to the company, not just the skills required for the position. An example would be your ability to work with a diversity of people, or coordinate events without missing deadlines, or stay calm in the face of stress. These are all skills that most “mothers” can do without even breathing heavy.

When rejection comes, it may trigger old wounds from past life experiences. You may feel hurt or angry and fed up with the way you are being treated. Sometimes no matter how much you prepare and how much you try you will receive a rejection and not get the job.

Stay proactive instead of being stuck and feeling rejected, take back the power. If you really want to work for that particular company, sit down and write a letter, stating how disappointed you were. Remind them of all the positive traits you could bring to the organization. Let them know that you are still interested in working for the company if something should change or open up.

Today’s market is no place for sissies ” be prepared to keep trying. Never give up. Be resilient.