The next time you’re talking to a prospective employer, follow these tips from Master Teacher Steven Tomlinson.
Looking for a job, particularly in tough economic times, can easily fray your nerves. Cold calls, cover letters, interviews all put you on the spot. When you feel observed and judged, it’s not surprising that you get performance anxiety. If you’re able to manage your nerves, you may get past them and really connect with a prospective employer. When our nerves get the better of us, we end up talking too much (usually about ourselves) or clam up and miss the opportunity to show the interviewer how we could help their company.
A mentor once said that the best way to make a connection is to start with THEM: their concerns, their goals, their context. Then make yourself relevant. In a job search, that means that every time you reach out to a prospective employer, you lead with what you know about them and the position they’re trying to fill. Once you’ve demonstrated some knowledge of their company or industry, they will naturally be curious about what you think you can add. You may feel more comfortable playing the role of the good student interviewee who answers questions politely, but you don’t really have their attention until you’re talking about them.
In addition to establishing credibility, this approach reduces self-consciousness. When you’re talking about them and the challenges your company faces and how you can help, your mindset is likely to shift from performance to service. Most of us relax, think faster and more clearly, and show authentic charisma when we’re focused on being helpful rather than impressive.
So next time you’re talking to a prospective employer, focus wholeheartedly on them. Find out what you can about their business and what they’re up against — and connect upfront with their point of view in your letter or your interview. In most cases, they’ll pay closer attention to whatever you say next. Even if they don’t, you’re more likely to stay cool, focused, and real.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Moog.
Tags: Advice, Interview, Job, Steven Tomlinson, Teachers
Posted in Guest Writers, Job Search
[...] Tomlinson, a Master Teacher at the Acton School of Business, wrote a great blog post entitled Getting Their Attention When You Want A Job. Tomlinson says that the best way to make a connection during a job interview is to [...]