“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
Habits are routines of behaviour that are repeatedly regularly. Throughout our day we form dozens of routine habits to include: time we get out of bed, route we take to work, time we go to lunch, journey home from work, TV programs we watch, time we go to bed. Other habits which can affect our health include smoking, poor diet, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise and stress. We also form ‘funny’ habits or our friends, family or partners might call them ‘irritating’ habits whether it’s something we say or do on a regular basis.
But, let’s not focus on our bad habits let’s focus on the good ones and especially those habits that successful interviewees adopt when seeking new job opportunities. There are many to choose from however I have focused on the following 5 key points:
1. Remain Positive
Whilst I know that it can be difficult to remain positive when seeking new employment it is absolutely necessary for you to keep a smile on your face. Attending interviews feeling negative will not only impact on how you perform but will also prevent you from building rapport with the people you meet.
2. Continue to Prepare and Practice
An old cliché but….”fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. There is no such thing as preparing too much for an interview. Do your homework and find out everything you can about the company, the department and the people you will be meeting. Practice your interview answers over and over again by saying them out loud. Record yourself until you feel confident with the answer you hear.
3. Be Proactive
Input Activity = Output Results. Being proactive in your job search can be fairly challenging when working in a full time job however, if you’re serious about finding a new role then you need to dedicate some time to ensure that you’re ahead of your competition. If on the other hand you are not working then it’s your job to find a job and therefore you should be putting in the hours on a daily basis.
4. Go Networking
Nearly 80% of jobs are filled direct via internal referrals, company websites and various job board sites therefore it is important that you’re not relying solely on Recruitment Agencies. Strong job seekers are aware that networking is a vital part of the job seeking process and are always looking for opportunities to meet or connect with new people.
5. Always Follow Up
Without follow up a meeting, interview or new contact is an empty hole. It is in your interest to ensure that you follow up every lead and interview. Send a note to say thank you to everyone who interviews you reminding the employer as to why you are the right person for their role. Even if the role is not for you still send a thank you note and make a good impression.
A Corporate Mentor for the internal job market who offers employees an edge over their internal and/or external competition. With over 15 years’ experience, Nikki educates professional people to build on their personal brand, to sell themselves in the content of their CV and interview technique and to overcome personal barriers to fully recognise their strengths and achievements.
Great tips Nikki – especially the networking. The old cliche of ‘it is not what you know but who you know’ definitely still applies in the job search and life in general. My brother has just been interviewing so I will certainly encourage him to actively follow up in order to stand out.