The interview process can be intimidating. Which is why it’s a good idea to prepare before logging on to Zoom or meeting with your interviewer in person. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to prep and ease your nerves. Even if you don’t know which interview questions to expect.
“Tell me about yourself?” is traditionally one of the most unnerving questions a candidate faces at a job interview. It’s also the first thing you’ll be asked when you sit down. While it should be one of the easiest questions to answer, it’s not because the candidate’s mind is preoccupied with thoughts of making the best first impression.
There’s a lot to consider when answering, “Tell me about yourself” in a job interview. It’s an important question that can open doors to opportunities, so you want to make sure you’re making you’re introducing yourself in a professional manner.
We’ve all been through the struggle of trying to “spice up” a resume to make yourself sound more impressive and experienced. You want to convince employers that you are not just a college student but rather someone of high intellect with great professional capabilities. It’s only fair that your resume reflects that. To make yourself stand out, it is important not to fill it with too much “fluff” but also not to over-simplify. So how do you find the balance? Instead of just giving a general description of the various work experiences you’ve had over the years, add some color to jobs that might typically be seen as mundane.
Career exploration isn’t just for twenty-somethings. According to an Indeed survey, the average age of career changers is 39. Often, professionals want to make a mid-career change but don’t know how to go about it. As a result, the job search process can seem daunting—especially if you’ve been at the same company for 10 years or more. At that point, you might feel like your job-hunting skills are rusty and that your entire network consists of the people you work with. Then by the time you start thinking about resume updates, cover letters and job interviews, your head feels like it’s going to explode.
Here’s some good news—transitioning to a new career or industry doesn’t mean you will need to begin from scratch. On the contrary, your experience and transferrable skills can help open doors to positions you never dreamed of. One reason is that soft skills are more in demand than ever. That means the strengths you’ve developed in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork will give you a competitive edge so you can land the job you really want.
If you’ve been thinking about a mid-career change for a while, don’t wait. Here are five valuable tips to get you on the path to self-discovery and fulfillment.
