Is 2023 your year for a new job?

Welcome back to the Body Talk Brief, where we will provide biweekly tips on the science of communication and what you can do to strengthen your communication skills.

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Body Talk is the global leader in evidence-based training on the psychology of communication.?

We deliver communication courses, coaching, virtual learning and live events with our clients worldwide, with over 120,000 people trained from 46 countries over the last 22 years!

Recently, Body Talk team member Alina Jenkins met with Don Gatewood on the Body Talk podcast to discuss How to Nail Your Next Interview or Salary Negotiation. Over the last 23 years, Don has led several non-profit initiatives in Detroit and Washington, DC, managing large teams, program operations, strategic planning, accounting, communications, and compliance regulations as well as fundraising for several organisations including American Red Cross and Goodwill Industries. Don is the co-founder and CEO of The Initiative Baltimore; a Professional Leadership Consultant, and the host of the podcast – Leadership and Professional Development.

Needless to say, Don has insight into many different types and areas of organisations.?

He says understanding all of the different components of organisations is important, but more importantly, we have to prioritise appreciating and understanding people.?

“How do we engage with one another to be effective?”

When it comes to interviews, think of it as a getting-to-know-you process. It’s reciprocal—the employer is getting to know you, but you’re assessing the company as well.?

Remember that every company interviewing for a position has a need: someone to fill a role. They’re hoping for certain skills, personalities, and behaviours from potential candidates, and they have a small window of time to figure that out.

So the question to ask yourself is:

How might I best present myself to convince them that I’m the best fit for this position?

Don offers these tips:

1. Understand what they’re looking for in this position. What are the qualities they’re looking for? The behaviours?
2. Learn the company in general. Technology has evolved exponentially, and we can use the internet and social media to our benefit, finding information that was never open to the public before.
3. Ask yourself, “What personal and professional experiences do I have that fit into their needs?” How can I communicate my experience, assets, and skills in a way that potential employers can understand? You have to sell yourself. But in order to do that, you have to understand what the company needs.?

Alina went on to ask what to do when you hear the dreaded interview statement:

Tell me about yourself.

Don says: Look at it from the perspective of the employer. They want to know if you’re a good fit for the position.?

So your response should be framed around what makes you a good fit for the position:

• Who are you as a professional??
• How do you make decisions??
• What are your goals professionally??

The same goes for when they ask:

Do you have any questions for us?

“There are no bad questions, but you want to take the time to think about them seriously,” says Don.

If there’s something you really need to know, be thoughtful about the way you ask. As we mentioned before, the internet and social media have made information much more accessible, so you can probably answer many questions through a little research.

“Do you have any questions for us?” can be seen as an opportunity to once again present yourself as a good fit.?

Ask questions like: If I was offered the position, what would my first 30 days look like? What will my priorities be if I’m offered the position??

You’re helping your potential employer see you in the position while letting them know that you’re prioritising problem solving.?

Don emphasises the importance of preparation. When you’re prepared and know your topic, you’re going to communicate more effectively, and you’re positioning yourself for success!

You can learn more about Don at www.dongatewood.com or check out his podcast, Leadership and Professional Development.

Thank you for joining us for another edition of the Body Talk Brief.

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