I really cannot believe that we are in the second last month of 2019.
I hope everyone enjoyed the summer season with family, friends, traveling - really just doing things that you enjoyed and allowed you to #pauseandreset.
Last month in a Tovey Talks first, I decided to do a part 2-part blog series on interview mistakes & recommendations.
Although I wrote this with employees/employer in mind, for my freelancers these same recommendations should be considered when trying to secure that deal with a potential client. Here are the remaining 2. Enjoy!
 Tovey's Recommendations | Mistake #3 Appearing Disinterested If you zone out, your potential employer will wonder how you will be able to stay focused during a day on the job, if you can’t even focus during one interview. In addition to making sure you are well-rested, alert and prepared for the interview, here are some more suggestions to keep your interest evidentduring an interview: |
- Sit up straight.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Smile, be enthusiastic.
- Don’t let yourself zone out or look complacent during an interview.
- Use hand gestures.
Mistake #4
Speaking Negatively About An Employer
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Out of all the mistakes & recommendations, I know this one can be the most challenging especially when you sincerely have had nightmare employer and/or employment experiences, but I promise you have nothing to gain professionally or personally by going down the route of negativity.
Fast Company shared 5 level-headed recommendations on how to bring up a nightmare boss during an interview.
1. Be Honest (Within Reason)
When asked about a bad employer, you should be honest, but not go overboard. No one can realistically have the expectation that a potential candidate will only have positive employer experiences and there is nothing wrong with talking about it in an objective, non-emotional way.
2. Avoid Giving Unnecessary Information
When you find yourself in a situation where you feel you were overlooked for a promotion, an immediate reaction could be to criticize the successful candidate. Instead of looking bitter and immature, focus on the fact that you are seeking to find a new challenge that may exist elsewhere.
3. Turn the Negative Into a Positive
I have a saying “it is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it”. Although at the time it may not’ feel like it, every bad job experience led me to me making the decision in 2015 to start building my own virtual empire. The convenience of building my life around work and not the other way around, has allowed me to be with elderly mother on the other side of Canada, that has limited mobility due to Osteoarthritis. anytime I want. #blessed
4. Remember What You Enjoyed
The reasons why I stayed in positions that were not fulfilling and/or with disreputable companies as long as I did was because I genuinely enjoyed my co-workers and the transferable knowledge I was gaining. Although there was many days I did not feel valued, I just focused on developing mutually beneficial working relationships and positively contributing to the work environment. It was this attitude that I have been able to have the opportunity to call on the same references when needed for over 10+ years now.
5. Say What You’re Looking for Instead
Rarely are people only looking for the exact same job with a new boss. Instead of saying what you are looking for express what you hope to get out of a new job. For example, mentioning, a desire for more responsibility, a structured schedule, or a better opportunity for advancement. These are all ways to mention negative problems, but show you are looking for solutions.
If you enjoyed this series and want to see more, send me a Facebook post on my page and share with me some other topics you would like to me to do a series on.
I would love the opportunity to fellowship with you. For a free consultation to discuss your career needs, please book your appointment here.
I would love the opportunity to fellowship with you. For a free consultation to discuss your career needs, please book your appointment here.
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