Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Tag Archives: Career
Job Interviews: What To Do After
With a delicious sense of accomplishment, you leave the interview ready to celebrate making it through yet-another interview. It’s been exciting but also exhausting. And you’re ready to meet some friends for a glass of wine and tell them the story of how the interview went – especially if it’s for a position you really want.
But wait . . . there’s one more step to take. And that’s a short “performance-based” followup email and a handwritten thank you note. Sounds like a lot of work when you’re emotionally you’re ready to relax? Well, this extra step can (and often does) make the difference in how you are remembered and considered for the position.
Your Follow-Up Email Reinforces Impression
First, send a short email to the individual (or individuals) that interviewed you expressing your appreciation for the interview and covering these three points:
- Your understanding of the needs of the organization/priorities
- How you can bring unique value to the organization/ie. meet those needs
- Your confidence that you would be a good fit for the position & organization
And then don’t forget to express your interest in being hired. Amazing how many people never say that either in the interview or in the follow-up written correspondence. If you want the job, tell them!
Your Handwritten Note – Icing on the Cake
Second, sit down and write a short, short thank you note on a nice card saying simply thank you for the interview, you feel you would be a good fit and you’re looking forward to hearing from them soon. Just like our mothers used to make us do . . . it’s a habit that sets you apart from the pack. And that thank you note always brings a smile because so few people take the time to say a personal thanks.
And . . . think of this. If they offer the position to someone else who then turns it down (happens all the time) and they are looking at an alternate and they see your note sitting on their desk . . . we always want to stay in front of the decision makers continuing to build a positive relationship. Try it!
Take a Walk to Clear Your Mind
One of the advantages to understanding the inner workings of our brains is gaining some tips on how to get unstuck and move past those all too-familiar roadblocks. A good example is “writer’s block”. You have something important to get out but the more you concentrate the more you can’t come up with a creative idea or even an opening sentence. You’re stuck in an impasse and the more frustrated you get with yourself the more your mind locks up. Here’s what works for me . . .
Stop right now. Disengage your thinking brain, the prefrontal cortex, by getting up and moving. Let your brain take a break by moving into another quiet activity – not another thinking task – but rather physically moving by walking, doing a routine household chore or sorting your paper clips. Quiet is the key – reduce as much background noise and distractions as you can. You may also find that you are at your creative best at a certain time of day. Mine is early, early morning after that first cup of coffee. My mind is clear, my energy is high and new ideas are flowing.
Now it’s your turn . . . what works for you? And how can you do more of what works for you this upcoming week? If all else fails, go jump in a nice long hot shower. That always works!
Your Brain At Work
Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long, David Rock, 2009.
So many colleagues recommended this book that I just had to pick it up. And it’s everything as promised. I even got it for my ‘ole IPod to listen while I’m at the gym.
Rock helps us understand the intricacies of brain science by taking us inside the thinking of two young professionals, Emily & Paul. He tells the story of their everyday work lives from the perspective of what’s going on in their brains (scientifically) – what gets in the way of their career success and how to move past those habits and behaviors that don’t work for us anymore. A fascinating read!
Power of Intention in the Job Search!
Over the last couple of weeks I have been writing about my college-age daughter’s summer internship quest through the streets of New York City. Barbara’s journey has given me wonderful material for this blog and allowed me to share with you the multiple complex steps of going through an intense job search. And it’s been at an amazing pace!
What we all can learn from Barbara is the power of intention. Early on, Barbara knew what she wanted . . . and she was determined to make it happen. Being a strong “J” on the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory (MBTI), Barbara figured out what she needed to do: when she needed to do it, and then (with a bit of help from Coach Mom) how to move through these steps quickly but effectively. The result . . . a summer internship at a prestigious firm in New York City for the summer.
This is what Barbara did . . . not alone because a savvy job seeker pulls in all the resources they can. So she had excellent help from the Career Center at Syracuse University, New House School of Communication, and late night help from her ever faithful Coach Mom.
It’s a Journey – Not for the Faint of Heart
It’s tough and not for the faint of heart. But this list of the “must dos” of a job search will give you some ideas if and when you start thinking about a delicious new career chapter for yourself – or maybe for one of those family members who are also itching for a change.
These were Barbara’s 12 job search steps . . .
- Clarified exactly what she wanted – the who, what, where, when & why
- Maximized networking contacts & references to open doors
- Used professional resources and offers of help appropriately
- Designed an eye-catching resume specific to the PR industry
- Created targeted cover letters that matched need to value
- Personalized follow-up emails to ensure a prompt response
- Complied a “I Can Do” mini-portfolio
- Rehearsed telephone interview strategies and questions (& debriefed afterwards)
- Prepared physically, emotionally & mentally for on-site personal interviews (& debriefed afterwards)
- Sent personal thank you letters after every interview
- Graciously handled final offers & negotiated hiring terms/days/responsibilities etc.
- Celebrated!
Is It Worth It?
If you are ready for a brand new career or to take your career up to that next level the answer is a solid YES. But it takes work, perseverance and a belief in yourself that you can make something happen. It might take longer in this tough economy but don’t give up . . . just give it time. And if you get stuck, call me!
The Power of Story Telling in Interviews
Do you get a little nervous and tongue-tied when asked to describe your talents, skills and strengths in a telephone or face-to-face interview? That’s normal. It’s not that you don’t have anything to say – actually you have lots to say – but the challenge is saying something concise and meaningful in a way that captures the interviewer’s interest and conveys the value you can bring the organization.
So try this new, old approach . . . story telling. Everyone loves a good story. And people remember a good story because it creates a visual image for them. We come alive while both telling stories and listening to them. Stories are powerful, but they take planning to avoid the pitfall of a tale that goes on and on.
Selecting Strengths for a Story
Here’s how to get started in deciding what is most important to communicate in an upcoming interview. First, think of a strength that you want to highlight for the interviewer(s). This strength should speak to one of these five P.E.A.K.S areas:
- Your Personal Characteristics (ability to work in a team, leadership, handle conflict, attitude etc.)
- Your professional Experience in this industry or in the responsibilities being requested
- Your Accomplishments which you have been recognized for by your colleagues
- Your Knowledge (formal education and on-going professional development)
- Your range of Skills appropriate to this job opening.
Use the C.A.R. to Create Your Story
Once you have selected the strength that you want to showcase take a minute to rough out one short paragraph that tells the story. And here’s the trick . . . use the C.A.R. format. This works beautifully to keep your story short and to the point.
- C = Challenge (what was the challenge you faced ie. new project, a conflict etc)
- A = Action (what was the action you took – focus on your actions)
- R = Results (what were the concrete results that happened as a result of your actions)
And then the icing on the cake is tieing in the results with the value you could bring this company if hired. Play with this . . . do one story completely and then a couple more. Shoot for about 8 – 10 short stories. Create a cheat sheet for yourself with the C.A.R. format. For each story hit each of the three points briefly adding in the final touch of the value you would bring.
Practice each story out loud to your dog but don’t overdo it. You want your natural voice, enthusiasm and energy to come through as you’re telling the story. After all, you’re talking about you at your best. Good luck out there, and if you see me along the way tell me your best story. I’d love to hear it!