Believe in yourself. Because your own worst critic is you!

Psychology Today states that “preoccupation with perfection tends to go hand in hand with low self-esteem.”

And I would say I am naturally a perfectionist. For me it is most profound in education. If I got 99% on an exam, I would always be curious where I “lost” the 1%. However this mindset helped me to pass all of my CIMA exams for the first time.

In September 2003 I started life as a finance graduate. I realised quickly that I had a natural passion for supporting, developing and challenging people to grow, develop and achieve more. And in my last role in finance I was leading a team of 60 people.

So having a team and independent sounding boards have been critical during my career. I love the ability to say what do you think of…. Or if we/I did this, how do you feel people would react?

So when Jammy Recruitment was set up I never had these avenues which I had valued so much in my career. And it’s tough! Because you don’t have that immediate team to help validate ideas or act as a sounding board helping to role play situations. All of this can lead to a crisis of confidence especially for a perfectionist.

But over time I have built support networks with fellow recruiters. Read books written by Freelancers. Used friends, family, connections, candidates and clients. And just embraced the unknown more saying what’s the worst that will happen. I even looked at other companies and thought actually they aren’t as “perfect” as I think so don’t worry.

The link to recruitment

A common issue I see in recruitment is candidates lacking confidence. As soon as some people hear the words “interview” they struggle psychologically. And immediately start to talk about what they can’t do. And not what they can do.

One company I work with openly provides the themes and areas of discussion in advance to help people. Because let’s be honest an interview is about bringing the best out in people not seeing how they react under pressure, stress and misery. Well, doing this for somebody moving into the Army might be a good idea but not for office life. So here’s a thought if you are a hiring manager. Are you able to provide more insight into the interview to help reduce the anxiety and stress that many candidates experience which can be avoided? And set people up for success.

My final thoughts

Hiring managers would you be willing to provide more information before an interview to all candidates? Removing some of the anxiety and stress will bring out the best in people. Providing that you are fair and consistent it doesn’t matter!

Candidates in the absence of the above happening, I would advise you to do two simple things.

1. Prepare 5-6 competency answers (in a STAR* format) which you tweak on the day depending on the questions. Then practice until you are comfortable (not perfect)! Because “Practice makes permanent.”
2. Prepare an answer for “why do you want the role”. We all know it’s coming - don’t we!
3. Remember an “interview” is a two way conversation. So you have as much right to make a decision as the hiring manager!

All the best with any imminent interviews.

David

PS. If you have a permanent finance recruitment need, need an independent sounding board or career mentor please contact me here www.jammyrecruitment.com

*Situation, Task, Action, Result