As we have seen, layoffs and long-term furloughs have been an unfortunate result of the pandemic. As an organization, ServiceElements works with both employers seeking to identify ideal candidates and individuals looking to make the best impression. If you now find yourself looking for a new job — whether by choice or by circumstance — while you search opportunities via the internet and other sources, we challenge you to also think “outside the job.”
It all begins with a self-assessment. Do you want a job just like the one you left? Are you open to or trying for something different? Think of your key passions as much as your job skills. Consider your innate talents and abilities that come so naturally to you (both at home and work), and that others praise and organizations need. The idea is to determine what you do well and love doing, then find a career that fits.
And as important as the right fit is to your search, so too is the right cultural fit to employers looking to hire. Every organization has a culture — some intended, some not. For example, does the organization welcome new ideas and innovation from all its employees? Or is it structured with strict roles, functions and narrow job descriptions? Is there a culture of upward mobility and promoting from within, or do people tend to remain in the same positions? Are decisions made at all levels or is this job far removed from decision making?
As you research the company for insights into what they do and what the job requires, look also for what the company values. If you can, speak with someone inside the company who can fill you in on the culture. Not only will this help you determine if this culture is a good fit for you, but you can also use this information to position yourself in your interview as being exactly the person they need — both from an experience and skills perspective as well as a value to their overall team. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to describe their ideal candidate for the job.
And as you arrive at that interview, armed with preparation, knowledge and confidence, it is best to relax and just be yourself — but make it your best self. Recently, an out of work friend of mine told me that he was not concerned about his upcoming job interview because it was to take place over a dinner and, as such, was not a "real" interview. He found comfort in the seemingly more casual nature of this ordinarily nerve-wracking event.
However, a word of caution to anyone about to be interviewed over a meal: The evaluation game is still on! You have not been invited out because they believe that you need to be fed. You are being judged on everything from your appearance and table manners (bread plate on left, drink on right, napkin in lap etc.) to whether you show respect to the wait staff and how you react to your meal arriving other than the way you ordered.
Best advice? Eat prior to the meeting. Counterintuitive, but this will help avoid many pitfalls, including ordering too much, impatience with slow service and the urge to shove large portions of food in your mouth only to be asked probing questions deserving thoughtful responses. Avoid alcohol if possible. If you feel that not drinking will be viewed negatively — for example, the host has ordered something for the table — then drink slowly, and that meal you ate earlier should help as well.
And, one last tip for those who could use a reminder to ensure that you're not mistaking your potential new boss' bread plate for your own: With your hands upright in front of you, touch each index fingertip to the tip of your corresponding thumb. Your left hand should display the letter "b for bread," while your right hand forms the letter "d for drink."
