There are many experts on how to job interview. Today is your opportunity to learn from one of the top communication experts in the world, William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare as a playwright had key insights into how we as humans can connect with each other. Some of these insights can easily improve how you job interview.
Here a few key lessons taken from the words of his characters.
Shakespeare: “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.”
In Interview Speak: “You’re past is entirely what you make of it.”
So you are coming from a different industry, or your past experience doesn’t exactly line up with the job description. These differences from the typical candidate can be assets for you.
Coming from a different field, you think about problems differently than traditional industry insiders. For example, if you are moving from managing customers to managing employees, recognize that in your old position, you needed to get customers to do things for you and pay you, whereas with employees, you are actually paying them. Whatever the situation think about how you can best frame it.
Even a previous layoff, gap in job history, or any other imperfection can become nothing more than a bump in the road if you present it the right way and if you keep fear from getting the best of you.
Shakespeare: “I say there is no darkness but ignorance.”
In interview speak: “Don’t be caught not knowing what to say. Do your research.”
When you know a company or organization very well, you can speak their language. You know what areas the company cares about, and what areas it doesn’t. You can even know what qualities are most important for this position and highlight those areas during the conversation. As you prepare to job interview, learn not just about the company but also the department where you will work. If possible, look for the people who will interview you.
Shakespeare: “Talking isn't doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds.”
In interview speak: “Don’t just say that you are great. Prove your skills through your past actions. “
Clichés will kill you in an interview. Repeating, expressions such as “strong attention to detail,” aren’t enough to land the job. So, think about how you can articulate the same message in your own words.
Then follow up with examples. Using numbers and specific details will help you to demonstrate your track record.
Shakespeare: “Nothing can come of nothing.”
In interview speak: “Don’t hold yourself back. Put in your best effort.”
The job search is stressful. You will get more rejections here than possibly in any another domain in your life. You may feel disheartened and want to quit or just stop trying to prevent the sting of another rejection. You may want to skip preparing for that next interview, because, “what difference does it make?” Don’t.
There are opportunities out there. You just need to find them. Put in the energy throughout the job search process. For each interview, practice and prepare as much as you can. Do your homework. Eventually, something positive will be the result.
Shakespeare: “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.”
In interview speak: “Don’t be late.”
At this point, being on time for an interview may seem like a cliché, but recognize that if getting this job is important to you, you need to signal this to the interviewer by showing up to on time.
Shakespeare: “brevity is the soul of wit,”
Interview speak: “Keep your answers succinct and to the point.”
Shakespeare: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”
Interview speak: “Go for it.”
There will be times during your job interview, where you will have a question you want to ask, a suggestion for how the company can perform better. You may be afraid of the risk. Yet the fear is often worse than the reality. Go for it.
