Decide What To Be And Go Be It

3.20.2020 - Yesterday, I sadly saw a wrinkled thrown away State Of Tennessee SEPARATION NOTICE, a mark of a heavy and tough week for many. My heart is heavy for those this evening who do not know who their next employer will be or what uncertain times lay ahead. As I thought about what I could do, the song by the Avett Brothers – Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise came on. In the song, the lyric “decide what to be and go be it” really struck me. As a talent professional, I encounter those who are doubtful, but I work my hardest to encourage and help them find promise. With the current climate, more and more employers may wish to do phone and tele-conference interviews, therefore, I wanted to share:

·        Be enthusiastic and assertive, you do not have the benefits of expression and eye contact to show your excitement and interest.

·        Make the phone interview conversational, not just question and answer

·        Ensure no matter how your day is going, you are in the right positive mind frame, meditation before helps

·        Be ready to provide specific examples of projects and accomplishments, which showcase your skills relevant to the position

·        Try and be in a quiet place to avoid outside noises with minimal to no distractions

·        Check your technology to ensure it is working properly, (i.e., phone, computer, speakers, etc.) if possible, go hands free to take notes and gesture naturally 

·        Avoid volunteering personal opinions, it may be tempting, but you may not know the individual interviewing personally and their personal feelings / opinions.

·        Have resume and job description readily available (whether digital or printed) and prepared notes ready, a pad and pen never hurts

·        You will be speaking a lot, have a glass of water without ice or a water bottle near

·        Consider proper attire if you are doing a video conference or dressing up and standing if the interview is over the phone (when you stand, there is more energy to your voice and the physical act of smiling makes you sound instantly friendlier and relaxed)  

·    Practice your answers

·        Do not overlook conveying positive personal characteristics that compliment your technical skills (why do people like working with you)

·        Research the organization and the individual(s)s you will be interviewing with, be prepared to pinpoint how you can help them achieve their goals

·        Prepare questions related to the job and company, this is a great way to stand out

Prepare for questions as:

·        Career aspirations 

·        Examples of areas of expertise and opportunities for development (strengths / weaknesses)

·        Biggest accomplishments - quantify improvements you have made with examples that detail cost down initiatives, time saved, or percentages increased

·        What contributions you, personally, can make to the organization

To part, thank the potential employer for taking time out to speak. Have a prepared closing statement explaining what excites you about this specific role. 

My hope is the heads full of doubt can be replaced with roads full of promise. I wish you the very best.

JAR