April 16, 2024 • 23 mins
Ready to conquer the nerve-wracking world of job interviews? Join me, Holly Curby, as I bring my award-winning podcast wisdom to your career ascent. Fresh off our Firebird Podcast Award triumph, we're rolling up our sleeves to tackle the nuts and bolts of making a lasting impression. Whether you're setting the stage for a flawless virtual interview or stepping into the office with unwavering professionalism, I've got a treasure trove of anecdotes and actionable advice that will help you stand out. Expect to learn how to dress the part, arrive with time to spare, and interact with potential colleagues in a way that will leave interviewers eager to call you back.
But it's not just about the first glance; it's the deep dive that sets the winners apart. In this episode, we dissect the art of preparation—aligning your skills, understanding the job description, and genuinely matching your aspirations with the company's vision is key. I'll guide you through the minefield of interview faux pas and arm you with questions that demonstrate your authentic interest in the role and the organization. Get ready to leave a mark on your interviewers by presenting yourself as the candidate they've been searching for, while avoiding the common pitfalls that could cost you the job. Tune in and transform every interview from a daunting challenge into a golden opportunity for success.
To dive deeper on this topic, check out the following related episodes on Holly’s Highlights podcast:
Season 2 Episode 2: Balancing Life: Student Edition
Season 2 Episode 4: 3 Ways to Use Your Personality Assessment
Season 2 Episode 15: 5 Things Employers Wish You Knew
Season 3 Episode 11: 5 Must Reads for Growth and Development
Season 3 Episode 12: How to Talk to People
Season 3 Episode 20: Employment in a Post-Pandemic World
Season 4 Episode 17: 10 Things Every Student Needs to Know
Season 4 Episode 19: Labor Day Reflections: Work Ethics, Service and Servant Heart
Season 4 Episode 24: 10 Things Learned on the Job
Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hi, friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast
designed to encourage, inspireand equip you to intentionally
live your life full of purpose.
I'm your host, holly Kirby,motivational speaker, leadership
cultivator, marketingstrategist and personal
cheerleader.
Let's check out today'shighlight.
Guess what I am so excited toshare with you?
(00:24):
That Holly's Highlights podcastjust won in the self-help
category for Firebird PodcastAward.
This is so exciting.
Thank you so much to thelisteners for listening each
episode and sharing with othersand even taking time to rate and
review.
In fact, I recently receivedthe most encouraging review
lately from Mama Love Lit inCanada, who says I just listened
(00:49):
to my first episode and I'mhooked.
Holly's message of kindness andcompassion is just the message
today's world needs.
Thank you so much, mama LoveLit from Canada.
I sure appreciate you takingthe time to rate your five stars
and to leave that comment Now.
If you would be interested insponsoring an episode of Holly's
Highlights podcast, feel freeto connect with me on
hollykirbycom.
(01:09):
That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom,and I'd love to see how we can
partner together, going forwardand continuing to make Holly's
Highlights sustainable as weencourage, inspire and equip
listeners to intentionally livetheir life full of purpose.
Thank you so much.
Hello, my friends, I hope thisfinds you well and enjoying
(01:33):
whatever season that you're in.
Right now I'm not sure we knowwhat season we're in here in
Utah.
It has been snowing lately, sothat has us a little thrown off
for this time of year, butregardless, hope you guys are
enjoying the season that you arein Now.
Last night I had the opportunityto take our graduating seniors
to a nice dinner in celebrationof the season that they're in,
(01:56):
whether that be their upcomingor even, for some of them,
recent graduations.
Now I always enjoy asking whatare your plans after graduation,
as they can be so diverse.
As you can imagine.
For most of them, theirresponse is to go to college and
with that, many of them plan torelocate.
So we get talking about jobsand where they'll apply and all
that fun stuff.
(02:17):
Now, that's one of those areasin my wheelhouse.
I have overseen interviews atone point or another throughout
my entire career Entry-levelpositions, leadership level
executives, volunteers, you nameit and as much as I've
witnessed in conducting theseinterviews, I am still always
amazed at something that willhappen that stops me in my
(02:38):
tracks as I think, huh, that's anew one Now.
So much that I've recently hada friend or two ask advice on
how to help their teenager beprepared for an upcoming
interview.
So I thought we'd kind of goover some very basics Now.
These truly apply to anyonegetting a position, but we're
really going to hone in on thosebeginners.
(02:59):
As someone who loves theater andmovies, I tend to look at
interviews as if an audition fora play.
Can you try out for the partthat we need you to be while
here on stage in this role?
So let's break down the processjust as that.
First off, we're going to setthe scene.
Now, whether this is by Zoom orFaceTime or even in person, you
(03:21):
need to look as if you'reprepared for the job.
I have had one too manyinterviews where I let them know
this is Holly calling from thiscompany and we're doing
FaceTime or Zoom.
Is this still a good time forthe interview?
And they're like yeah, it is.
I'm like great, I'm going to goahead and switch you over to
FaceTime, which I have alreadyprepared them for in the emails
(03:43):
leading up to the interview.
Now this is what boggles mymind how many people actually
turn on that video and they'relaying in bed or their hair's
not done or they even have thatwhole sleepy voice going on, you
could tell that they oversleptor maybe even totally forgot
about the interview.
Think of an interview as puttingyour best foot forward.
If you don't show up lookingyour best and being at your best
(04:05):
, an interviewer has every rightto assume it's all downhill
from here.
Now, if you're virtual, stageyour background for the type of
position you're seeking, so letthe interviewer envision you in
the role.
If you're applying for arestaurant position, be in a
clean kitchen with things nicelyorganized.
If it's a business role,perhaps be sitting at a desk
(04:26):
with a bookshelf behind you.
If a parks and rec typeposition, consider doing the
interview on your back deck ifthere isn't surrounding noise of
a mower or any otherinterrupting sounds.
If it's going to be in person,make sure to greet the front
desk person or whomever is thefirst person that you interact
with at that company.
It's so important that actuallygets back to the interviewer.
(04:48):
Were they friendly, were theykind?
Were they on time?
Did they smile?
Were they personable?
All of that is very important.
If you're rude or short orfrustrated, those are going to
get communicated to theinterviewer and work against you
.
So make sure to greet that frontdesk person and then, of course
, dress accordingly for the job.
Don't wear a tuxedo to auniform job, nor ripped jeans to
(05:11):
a business attire role.
Now, yes, I have actually hadthis happen, and the tuxedo one
really threw me off.
Now, for the interviewer's mind, they're going through.
Okay, is this a joke?
Do they know how to dressappropriately?
Do they know how to handlesituations appropriately?
And they really start gettingin their own head about
situational moments within theircompany that all of a sudden,
(05:35):
they have red flags on you for.
So make sure to dressaccordingly for the job.
Now, part of this is just doingyour due diligence and
researching the company, becauseonce you get to know a little
bit more about the company,you'll know if they're more of a
modest company or more of afamily friendly or whatever that
looks like.
And, of course, with all of this, be on time.
(05:56):
In fact, be early to be on time, because if you show up late to
an interview, how can thecompany know that you'll make it
to work on time?
If you're up late to aninterview, how can the company
know that you'll make it to workon time if you're even hired?
I remember one interview I washaving with an individual and I
really didn't even get to any ofmy interview questions because
he started out telling me howhe's needing more hours because
(06:17):
his company has cut back hishours.
And I asked him well, why havethey cut back your hours?
And he said because I can'tmake it to work on time.
They say I need to start makingit to work on time before
they'll give me more hours.
Here's your sign.
Those are red flags.
So show up to your interview ontime so a company can envision
(06:38):
you also making it to work ontime.
That is important.
So we're going to set thatscene.
Look your best, be prepared andready to go, and then we're
going to go on to the next part.
We're going to take the stage,take a confident approach, but
avoid an arrogant or cockyapproach.
(06:58):
So important You'll most likelybe asked at some point to share
about you, and that's just thething.
Share a bit about you, andthat's just the thing.
Share a bit about you.
This is not an ego trip.
They do not need to know everyjob you've ever had or every
award you ever won or anythinglike that.
It's more like an elevatorpitch in a way.
It is not a 30-minutedocumentary about every part of
(07:20):
your life.
I've actually done an interviewonce where I never even got to
my first question because of howoversharing that person was.
It revealed all I needed toknow within the first five
minutes.
So be very careful to notovershare or get too detailed or
lengthy, but really just asnapshot about who you are.
(07:41):
Remember the role you'reapplying for and act accordingly
to it.
Now, if you're consistentlytouching your face or, worse yet
, picking your nose, there is norestaurant job.
Who is going to hire you.
If you are kicked back in yourchair or using slang of oh,
that's sick or bro, no businessminded company is going to hire
(08:02):
you.
So remember the role you'reapplying for and act accordingly
.
Now.
Many people are not aware of howthey come across.
They don't even realize thatthey're smacking that gum or
that they're using these sickwords or kicked back in their
chair.
They might interview well oreven have the right answers, but
if they're sitting there anddoing these annoyances that can
(08:24):
come about chomping their bubblegum or whatnot it's going to
work against them.
So avoid having things in yourmouth altogether.
But whether you want to standin front of a mirror and
practice your interview orrecord yourself on your cell
phone, on your video, or evenpractice in front of a family
member or a friend.
Be aware of how you come acrossin an interview.
(08:46):
Do you talk too much with yourhands?
Sit on them during theinterview?
Do you have a tendency toovershare Work on pauses and
being comfortable in the silence?
Some other nervous twitch thatyou might have going on?
Practice, practice, practice sothat you can get comfortable
sitting in that interview chair.
So take the stage with yourbest foot forward and then
(09:10):
action.
We're going to go on to thatnext step of what does that
script or performance look likeNow?
We mentioned having thatelevator pitch.
A little about you, yourinterests, your passions.
Keep it personable and it canalso be fitting for the position
.
So, for example, mine off thecuff would be I'm a mother of
(09:31):
two teens who I absolutely adore.
They're involved in softballand soccer and I love cheering
them on, and I'm passionateabout showing care to others and
encouraging people however Imay.
I'm educated, with my master'sin leadership and management and
my bachelor's in mass comm andmy associates in public
relations.
I'm involved in my community,whether it be through women's
(09:53):
groups in my church or mychildren's sports or even
volunteering time for localnonprofits.
I really enjoy traveling withmy family and cruising is one of
my favorite vacations to takeever.
I could talk to you foreverabout cruising.
I'm pretty sure my lovelanguage is anything at the spa.
But all of that basically, isgoing to emphasize I'm a family
(10:14):
person.
My family comes first.
How many times do I mentionfamily?
I've got the education and Ican put care into everything I
do.
Now, obviously, if I was goingmore for an executive position,
I would need to tailor that alittle bit.
But again, you do you, yourinterests, your passions.
Short, simple, sweet.
Now long gone are the what areyour strengths and what are your
(10:36):
weaknesses?
Type questions.
Instead, take it to the nextlevel to be prepared for what
would you bring to our team orhow would you make our company
even better?
These are strength responses.
They're still looking to knowwhy should we hire you?
You know what are you going toadd to us?
What are your strengths thatyou're going to bring?
But then other questions mightinclude what area do you need to
(10:59):
improve on and how are youworking on that?
Because these reveal yourweaknesses.
Catch that we're still dealingwith strengths and weaknesses,
but in different forms ofquestions.
But it's also going to revealyour self-development, or
perhaps lack thereof, which alsoreveals if you're actually
going to have a growth mindset,which is so helpful in any
(11:19):
business that you are in.
People want to see that you'rewilling to grow and adapt and
learn.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Now I've been in an interviewbefore where the fire alarm went
off, another that was virtualand the interviewee's little
brother came bursting into theroom.
Go with the flow.
If anything, it can show thatyou're flexible and adaptable
(11:42):
and can problem solve, or eventhat you work well under
pressure.
So don't see interruptions as afrustration or a limitation,
but rather an opportunity torespond in the moment.
Try to be proactive and notjust reactive in the situation,
and then also come prepared withquestions Now, whether you have
(12:03):
a question about the company ora question that helps you stand
out and connect with theinterviewer, this is going to
show that you have engagement.
There are interviews that I havewhere I say any questions for
me, nope, I'm good, and thatdoesn't leave a huge impression
on me.
But others some of my favoriteshave been well, what skills
(12:24):
should someone have to bestexcel in this job, all right.
Well, they want to know how tolearn and grow.
Or what is your favorite partabout working for this company
or representing this brand?
Okay, they just built aconnection with me.
Or even, what is someone beingsuccessful in this role look
like?
Okay, they already want to aimto please and learn and grow.
(12:45):
All of these have such growthmindset, revealing and willing
to adapt and learn within thisrole.
Now, not every actor is made forevery role in a play, just as
not every play is perfectlysuited for every actor.
So it's okay if it's not a goodfit for you, nor you a good fit
(13:06):
for them.
But having some questions thatyou can ask can help you
identify that and also be ableto connect with the interviewer.
Interviews give good experiencefor both of you either way, and
you never know the bridge thatyou each might have you as the
one interviewing and yourinterviewer that somehow, how,
(13:26):
some way, somewhere, might crossin the future.
So don't burn those bridges,but come prepared with some good
questions.
To close out Now, some basicsyou must know to get the part.
What is the position you'reapplying for?
Anyhow, read the jobdescription, do your research on
(13:47):
the company, as we mentionedearlier.
I get so frustrated whensomeone applies for a position
and come to find out they wanteda completely different position
but they just didn't see itadvertised.
That's because we aren't hiringfor that position.
Or if they apply and clearlyhaven't read the job description
, as their availability doesn'tmatch what we posted that we
need and I think, oh, we can.
Just, you guys can work with me, you guys can adapt to what I
(14:09):
need to work.
No, read the job description.
It is there for a reason.
Don't waste the interviewer'stime and don't prohibit someone
else from having interviewedthat slot that you just took up,
and then also don't makeyourself unrehirable for a
future position or role in thefuture.
So make sure that you have doneyour due diligence in
(14:32):
researching that job description, researching the company,
making sure it's something youwant, even going into it Along
with that.
Know what your availability is.
Now here in the USA, part-timeis 31 hours and under full-time
is 32 to 40 hours.
Overtime is anything past 40for the most part.
Now, once you get into salarypositions, there's hourly, where
(14:54):
you get paid by the hour,salary, where you're paid for
the year.
Pretty much.
Those might expect you to work60 hours or 50 hours or whatever
it might be.
There could be different dayparts that include, like, your
morning, your afternoon, yourevening, and some might even
have like a night shift, whichis typically overnight If you
(15:15):
have other commitments such assport or family or school all of
these things you need to knowwhat you want to work, when you
want to work or what you'reavailable for.
Know what these schedules andcommitments are.
Don't expect the interviewer toread your mind or to know your
life.
Okay, and don't just try tomake things work, because if you
(15:35):
don't get out of school untilthree but the job wants you
there at 3.15, is that reallyrealistic for you?
Are you pushing it, being late,which could then result in poor
performance or even write-upsby the company for you being
late and all of that could evenlead to you having a low
self-esteem or low confidence.
So make sure to set yourself upfor whatever you're going into
(15:58):
that's going to be realistic andset yourself up for success.
Know what you are available towork and be forthcoming and
honest with the company.
You're not going to get a joband then change what they need
availability for.
So make sure you're honestgoing into it and know what you
truly can commit to, and thennot everything is negotiable
(16:21):
just as that.
You can't get into a job andthen negotiate hours.
Not everything is going to benegotiable, and that has to do
with pay.
Also, if a position lists howmuch it's paying, it's
completely appropriate to askwhat does growth for this
position look like and is therea timeline for that?
But not, I need X amount.
Or this other place Iinterviewed is starting at this
(16:44):
dollar amount per hour.
That's a huge red flag in mybooks.
If someone starts out with payand they're not happy with what
we're already saying, the job ispaying.
What's gonna keep them around?
Because I don't want money toever be an incentivizer.
I want the passion for the joband the buy-in for the position,
and then I want to reward ontop of that with the pay.
(17:04):
So be very careful to try tonegotiate what that is going to
look like if it's already beenpresented.
A job only has so much wiggleroom.
And yes, some places willnegotiate, don't hear me wrong.
When you get into differentroles, they can negotiate.
But again, all of this is forthose beginners.
So be cautious, as the mostpart, don't go into the
(17:27):
interview expecting to get adifferent hiring amount.
And then, lastly, with this is,leave an impression.
Now I interview so many peoplethat literally two days after a
set of interviews, someone canask me about someone I
interviewed and I haven't a cluewho that person was, in the
string of interviews I've done.
Then again, I do remember thosewho left a negative impression,
(17:49):
such as picking their nose Yep,that has happened on FaceTime,
it was disgusting, did not getthe job or the people who don't
make eye contact.
That's not going to build arapport with my guests, with my
customers.
Or the ones who tell me howhorrible their finances are
which, by the way, is a huge redflag to interviewers, as it can
(18:11):
also lead to that.
Can they be trusted with moneyhandling type of scenario.
And then even those who bashtheir former employers I don't
want to hear how horrible yourformer employer was, because I
don't want to be in a string ofthose that you complain about in
the future.
Right, so, we can only controlwhat we can control.
(18:31):
However, if someone asked areally good question towards the
end of the interview, such assome I shared earlier, it has a
positive effect in getting myattention.
If someone thanks me for takingtime to interview them and
tells me that they enjoyed theprocess and they really look
forward to the possibility ofgetting to work alongside me and
representing our brand.
(18:51):
It makes me stop in my tracksin a good way.
Now I often will write in mynotes on that applicant they're
a culture champion or leadershippotential or something else to
trigger my brain how they stoodout to me, and not only are they
forefront of my mind then whenit comes to hiring for that role
, but I can also associate foryears to come how that person
(19:14):
made me feel Just the othernight.
This happened.
We're one of those seniors thatwe had taken out to dinner.
We were celebrating and sharingwhat was going on after high
school and that they were goingto pursue this or that in
college.
And it triggered that interviewwith him years ago where he
shared with me his passions andeven his reference check that I
(19:36):
checked into was superimpressive.
Because of that passion, heleft an impression.
He also obviously got the job,so leave a good impression.
So what will make you stand outabove others?
Maybe it's a kind word at theend of the interview?
An email follow-up thanking theinterviewer for their time A
(19:57):
note mailed thanking them forthe opportunity that would shock
me, because not very manypeople send notes these days or
even the interaction you hadbetween their front desk
receptionist or the first personinteracted with their own site,
thanking them for their time.
As you leave, whatever it is,leave a positive impression.
Now, again, these are just someof the ultimate basics, but I
(20:21):
hope they help in getting you,or even your friend or child or
student if you're a teacher ormentor or a grandchild or
neighbor, whomever you're tryingto help in getting a job that
it will help in setting upsuccess in having that first
initial audition, okay,interview.
As for our final tip, simplyput by poet and dramatist Oscar
(20:44):
Wilde says be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
Now, if you would like to divedeeper into this topic, there
are nine other episodes I wouldrecommend for you to go back and
listen to here on Holly'sHighlights.
The first one is going to beseason two, episode two, where
we talk about balancing lifestudent edition.
Because let's face it, ifyou're going to get a job,
(21:04):
you're going to be balancinglife now school and work and
everything in between.
Next one is going to be seasontwo, episode four, on three ways
to use your personality test.
Perhaps you're not even surewhat to apply for what you have
interest in doing.
Feel free to take thispersonality test and find out
more about taking a personalitytest and how that can reveal
(21:25):
some things that you actuallyenjoy or might be really good at
doing.
Season two, episode 15, leads usthrough five things employers
wish you knew Just a heads upfrom being on this end of it.
Five things employers wish youknew Just a heads up from being
on this end of it.
Five things employers wish youknew.
Going into season three,episode 11, five must reads for
personal growth and development.
We should always be growing anddeveloping ourself.
(21:45):
We are going to be our biggestadvocate, our biggest
cheerleaders.
We need to also make sure thatwe're the ones investing in us.
So make sure to check that out.
On five bus raids for personalgrowth and development.
Now, some of you are a littlenervous about interviewing
itself.
Well, season three, episode 12,is going to help you with that,
on how to talk to people, andwe actually speak with an
(22:07):
interviewer himself who doesinterviewing with celebrities.
So feel free to check that outand just learn how to have some
of those casual conversations.
Then season three, episode 20,employment in a post pandemic
world.
For those of you who might bescaling on the older side or
this is not your first rodeo,this would be a good episode for
(22:28):
you in just employment, postpandemic and what that looks
like.
And then, of course, seasonfour, episode 17, is 10 things
every student needs to know.
Just some helpful tips therefor you guys.
Season four, episode 19, isLabor Day Reflection on Work
Ethics and Service and ServantHeart.
Work ethic is a huge one, hugeone, so check out that episode
(22:50):
in any industry that you want togo into.
And then, last but not least,is season four, episode 24,
where I share 10 things thatI've learned on the job.
I hope these are helpful foryou, but whatever you're looking
at doing, I just hope that youapproach it with, again, that
best foot forward, and I wishyou the best of luck.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey of life.
(23:13):
I hope that today's highlighthas been encouraging, inspiring
and equipping so you can go outand live your life full of
purpose.
I'd be honored if you'd take amoment to leave a review or,
better yet, subscribe.
We can also stay in touch byjoining my email list at
hollykirbycom, that'sH-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Y dot com.
(23:36):
Until next time, make it agreat day for a great day.
Hi, friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast
designed to encourage, inspireand equip you to intentionally
live your life full of purpose.
I'm your host, holly Kirby,motivational speaker, leadership
cultivator, marketingstrategist and personal
cheerleader.
Let's check out today'shighlight.
Guess what I am so excited toshare with you?
(00:24):
That Holly's Highlights podcastjust won in the self-help
category for Firebird PodcastAward.
This is so exciting.
Thank you so much to thelisteners for listening each
episode and sharing with othersand even taking time to rate and
review.
In fact, I recently receivedthe most encouraging review
lately from Mama Love Lit inCanada, who says I just listened
(00:49):
to my first episode and I'mhooked.
Holly's message of kindness andcompassion is just the message
today's world needs.
Thank you so much, mama LoveLit from Canada.
I sure appreciate you takingthe time to rate your five stars
and to leave that comment Now.
If you would be interested insponsoring an episode of Holly's
Highlights podcast, feel freeto connect with me on
hollykirbycom.
(01:09):
That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom,and I'd love to see how we can
partner together, going forwardand continuing to make Holly's
Highlights sustainable as weencourage, inspire and equip
listeners to intentionally livetheir life full of purpose.
Thank you so much.
Hello, my friends, I hope thisfinds you well and enjoying
(01:33):
whatever season that you're in.
Right now I'm not sure we knowwhat season we're in here in
Utah.
It has been snowing lately, sothat has us a little thrown off
for this time of year, butregardless, hope you guys are
enjoying the season that you arein Now.
Last night I had the opportunityto take our graduating seniors
to a nice dinner in celebrationof the season that they're in,
(01:56):
whether that be their upcomingor even, for some of them,
recent graduations.
Now I always enjoy asking whatare your plans after graduation,
as they can be so diverse.
As you can imagine.
For most of them, theirresponse is to go to college and
with that, many of them plan torelocate.
So we get talking about jobsand where they'll apply and all
that fun stuff.
(02:17):
Now, that's one of those areasin my wheelhouse.
I have overseen interviews atone point or another throughout
my entire career Entry-levelpositions, leadership level
executives, volunteers, you nameit and as much as I've
witnessed in conducting theseinterviews, I am still always
amazed at something that willhappen that stops me in my
(02:38):
tracks as I think, huh, that's anew one Now.
So much that I've recently hada friend or two ask advice on
how to help their teenager beprepared for an upcoming
interview.
So I thought we'd kind of goover some very basics Now.
These truly apply to anyonegetting a position, but we're
really going to hone in on thosebeginners.
(02:59):
As someone who loves theater andmovies, I tend to look at
interviews as if an audition fora play.
Can you try out for the partthat we need you to be while
here on stage in this role?
So let's break down the processjust as that.
First off, we're going to setthe scene.
Now, whether this is by Zoom orFaceTime or even in person, you
(03:21):
need to look as if you'reprepared for the job.
I have had one too manyinterviews where I let them know
this is Holly calling from thiscompany and we're doing
FaceTime or Zoom.
Is this still a good time forthe interview?
And they're like yeah, it is.
I'm like great, I'm going to goahead and switch you over to
FaceTime, which I have alreadyprepared them for in the emails
(03:43):
leading up to the interview.
Now this is what boggles mymind how many people actually
turn on that video and they'relaying in bed or their hair's
not done or they even have thatwhole sleepy voice going on, you
could tell that they oversleptor maybe even totally forgot
about the interview.
Think of an interview as puttingyour best foot forward.
If you don't show up lookingyour best and being at your best
(04:05):
, an interviewer has every rightto assume it's all downhill
from here.
Now, if you're virtual, stageyour background for the type of
position you're seeking, so letthe interviewer envision you in
the role.
If you're applying for arestaurant position, be in a
clean kitchen with things nicelyorganized.
If it's a business role,perhaps be sitting at a desk
(04:26):
with a bookshelf behind you.
If a parks and rec typeposition, consider doing the
interview on your back deck ifthere isn't surrounding noise of
a mower or any otherinterrupting sounds.
If it's going to be in person,make sure to greet the front
desk person or whomever is thefirst person that you interact
with at that company.
It's so important that actuallygets back to the interviewer.
(04:48):
Were they friendly, were theykind?
Were they on time?
Did they smile?
Were they personable?
All of that is very important.
If you're rude or short orfrustrated, those are going to
get communicated to theinterviewer and work against you
.
So make sure to greet that frontdesk person and then, of course
, dress accordingly for the job.
Don't wear a tuxedo to auniform job, nor ripped jeans to
(05:11):
a business attire role.
Now, yes, I have actually hadthis happen, and the tuxedo one
really threw me off.
Now, for the interviewer's mind, they're going through.
Okay, is this a joke?
Do they know how to dressappropriately?
Do they know how to handlesituations appropriately?
And they really start gettingin their own head about
situational moments within theircompany that all of a sudden,
(05:35):
they have red flags on you for.
So make sure to dressaccordingly for the job.
Now, part of this is just doingyour due diligence and
researching the company, becauseonce you get to know a little
bit more about the company,you'll know if they're more of a
modest company or more of afamily friendly or whatever that
looks like.
And, of course, with all of this, be on time.
(05:56):
In fact, be early to be on time, because if you show up late to
an interview, how can thecompany know that you'll make it
to work on time?
If you're up late to aninterview, how can the company
know that you'll make it to workon time if you're even hired?
I remember one interview I washaving with an individual and I
really didn't even get to any ofmy interview questions because
he started out telling me howhe's needing more hours because
(06:17):
his company has cut back hishours.
And I asked him well, why havethey cut back your hours?
And he said because I can'tmake it to work on time.
They say I need to start makingit to work on time before
they'll give me more hours.
Here's your sign.
Those are red flags.
So show up to your interview ontime so a company can envision
(06:38):
you also making it to work ontime.
That is important.
So we're going to set thatscene.
Look your best, be prepared andready to go, and then we're
going to go on to the next part.
We're going to take the stage,take a confident approach, but
avoid an arrogant or cockyapproach.
(06:58):
So important You'll most likelybe asked at some point to share
about you, and that's just thething.
Share a bit about you, andthat's just the thing.
Share a bit about you.
This is not an ego trip.
They do not need to know everyjob you've ever had or every
award you ever won or anythinglike that.
It's more like an elevatorpitch in a way.
It is not a 30-minutedocumentary about every part of
(07:20):
your life.
I've actually done an interviewonce where I never even got to
my first question because of howoversharing that person was.
It revealed all I needed toknow within the first five
minutes.
So be very careful to notovershare or get too detailed or
lengthy, but really just asnapshot about who you are.
(07:41):
Remember the role you'reapplying for and act accordingly
to it.
Now, if you're consistentlytouching your face or, worse yet
, picking your nose, there is norestaurant job.
Who is going to hire you.
If you are kicked back in yourchair or using slang of oh,
that's sick or bro, no businessminded company is going to hire
(08:02):
you.
So remember the role you'reapplying for and act accordingly
.
Now.
Many people are not aware of howthey come across.
They don't even realize thatthey're smacking that gum or
that they're using these sickwords or kicked back in their
chair.
They might interview well oreven have the right answers, but
if they're sitting there anddoing these annoyances that can
(08:24):
come about chomping their bubblegum or whatnot it's going to
work against them.
So avoid having things in yourmouth altogether.
But whether you want to standin front of a mirror and
practice your interview orrecord yourself on your cell
phone, on your video, or evenpractice in front of a family
member or a friend.
Be aware of how you come acrossin an interview.
(08:46):
Do you talk too much with yourhands?
Sit on them during theinterview?
Do you have a tendency toovershare Work on pauses and
being comfortable in the silence?
Some other nervous twitch thatyou might have going on?
Practice, practice, practice sothat you can get comfortable
sitting in that interview chair.
So take the stage with yourbest foot forward and then
(09:10):
action.
We're going to go on to thatnext step of what does that
script or performance look likeNow?
We mentioned having thatelevator pitch.
A little about you, yourinterests, your passions.
Keep it personable and it canalso be fitting for the position
.
So, for example, mine off thecuff would be I'm a mother of
(09:31):
two teens who I absolutely adore.
They're involved in softballand soccer and I love cheering
them on, and I'm passionateabout showing care to others and
encouraging people however Imay.
I'm educated, with my master'sin leadership and management and
my bachelor's in mass comm andmy associates in public
relations.
I'm involved in my community,whether it be through women's
(09:53):
groups in my church or mychildren's sports or even
volunteering time for localnonprofits.
I really enjoy traveling withmy family and cruising is one of
my favorite vacations to takeever.
I could talk to you foreverabout cruising.
I'm pretty sure my lovelanguage is anything at the spa.
But all of that basically, isgoing to emphasize I'm a family
(10:14):
person.
My family comes first.
How many times do I mentionfamily?
I've got the education and Ican put care into everything I
do.
Now, obviously, if I was goingmore for an executive position,
I would need to tailor that alittle bit.
But again, you do you, yourinterests, your passions.
Short, simple, sweet.
Now long gone are the what areyour strengths and what are your
(10:36):
weaknesses?
Type questions.
Instead, take it to the nextlevel to be prepared for what
would you bring to our team orhow would you make our company
even better?
These are strength responses.
They're still looking to knowwhy should we hire you?
You know what are you going toadd to us?
What are your strengths thatyou're going to bring?
But then other questions mightinclude what area do you need to
(10:59):
improve on and how are youworking on that?
Because these reveal yourweaknesses.
Catch that we're still dealingwith strengths and weaknesses,
but in different forms ofquestions.
But it's also going to revealyour self-development, or
perhaps lack thereof, which alsoreveals if you're actually
going to have a growth mindset,which is so helpful in any
(11:19):
business that you are in.
People want to see that you'rewilling to grow and adapt and
learn.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Now I've been in an interviewbefore where the fire alarm went
off, another that was virtualand the interviewee's little
brother came bursting into theroom.
Go with the flow.
If anything, it can show thatyou're flexible and adaptable
(11:42):
and can problem solve, or eventhat you work well under
pressure.
So don't see interruptions as afrustration or a limitation,
but rather an opportunity torespond in the moment.
Try to be proactive and notjust reactive in the situation,
and then also come prepared withquestions Now, whether you have
(12:03):
a question about the company ora question that helps you stand
out and connect with theinterviewer, this is going to
show that you have engagement.
There are interviews that I havewhere I say any questions for
me, nope, I'm good, and thatdoesn't leave a huge impression
on me.
But others some of my favoriteshave been well, what skills
(12:24):
should someone have to bestexcel in this job, all right.
Well, they want to know how tolearn and grow.
Or what is your favorite partabout working for this company
or representing this brand?
Okay, they just built aconnection with me.
Or even, what is someone beingsuccessful in this role look
like?
Okay, they already want to aimto please and learn and grow.
(12:45):
All of these have such growthmindset, revealing and willing
to adapt and learn within thisrole.
Now, not every actor is made forevery role in a play, just as
not every play is perfectlysuited for every actor.
So it's okay if it's not a goodfit for you, nor you a good fit
(13:06):
for them.
But having some questions thatyou can ask can help you
identify that and also be ableto connect with the interviewer.
Interviews give good experiencefor both of you either way, and
you never know the bridge thatyou each might have you as the
one interviewing and yourinterviewer that somehow, how,
(13:26):
some way, somewhere, might crossin the future.
So don't burn those bridges,but come prepared with some good
questions.
To close out Now, some basicsyou must know to get the part.
What is the position you'reapplying for?
Anyhow, read the jobdescription, do your research on
(13:47):
the company, as we mentionedearlier.
I get so frustrated whensomeone applies for a position
and come to find out they wanteda completely different position
but they just didn't see itadvertised.
That's because we aren't hiringfor that position.
Or if they apply and clearlyhaven't read the job description
, as their availability doesn'tmatch what we posted that we
need and I think, oh, we can.
Just, you guys can work with me, you guys can adapt to what I
(14:09):
need to work.
No, read the job description.
It is there for a reason.
Don't waste the interviewer'stime and don't prohibit someone
else from having interviewedthat slot that you just took up,
and then also don't makeyourself unrehirable for a
future position or role in thefuture.
So make sure that you have doneyour due diligence in
(14:32):
researching that job description, researching the company,
making sure it's something youwant, even going into it Along
with that.
Know what your availability is.
Now here in the USA, part-timeis 31 hours and under full-time
is 32 to 40 hours.
Overtime is anything past 40for the most part.
Now, once you get into salarypositions, there's hourly, where
(14:54):
you get paid by the hour,salary, where you're paid for
the year.
Pretty much.
Those might expect you to work60 hours or 50 hours or whatever
it might be.
There could be different dayparts that include, like, your
morning, your afternoon, yourevening, and some might even
have like a night shift, whichis typically overnight If you
(15:15):
have other commitments such assport or family or school all of
these things you need to knowwhat you want to work, when you
want to work or what you'reavailable for.
Know what these schedules andcommitments are.
Don't expect the interviewer toread your mind or to know your
life.
Okay, and don't just try tomake things work, because if you
(15:35):
don't get out of school untilthree but the job wants you
there at 3.15, is that reallyrealistic for you?
Are you pushing it, being late,which could then result in poor
performance or even write-upsby the company for you being
late and all of that could evenlead to you having a low
self-esteem or low confidence.
So make sure to set yourself upfor whatever you're going into
(15:58):
that's going to be realistic andset yourself up for success.
Know what you are available towork and be forthcoming and
honest with the company.
You're not going to get a joband then change what they need
availability for.
So make sure you're honestgoing into it and know what you
truly can commit to, and thennot everything is negotiable
(16:21):
just as that.
You can't get into a job andthen negotiate hours.
Not everything is going to benegotiable, and that has to do
with pay.
Also, if a position lists howmuch it's paying, it's
completely appropriate to askwhat does growth for this
position look like and is therea timeline for that?
But not, I need X amount.
Or this other place Iinterviewed is starting at this
(16:44):
dollar amount per hour.
That's a huge red flag in mybooks.
If someone starts out with payand they're not happy with what
we're already saying, the job ispaying.
What's gonna keep them around?
Because I don't want money toever be an incentivizer.
I want the passion for the joband the buy-in for the position,
and then I want to reward ontop of that with the pay.
(17:04):
So be very careful to try tonegotiate what that is going to
look like if it's already beenpresented.
A job only has so much wiggleroom.
And yes, some places willnegotiate, don't hear me wrong.
When you get into differentroles, they can negotiate.
But again, all of this is forthose beginners.
So be cautious, as the mostpart, don't go into the
(17:27):
interview expecting to get adifferent hiring amount.
And then, lastly, with this is,leave an impression.
Now I interview so many peoplethat literally two days after a
set of interviews, someone canask me about someone I
interviewed and I haven't a cluewho that person was, in the
string of interviews I've done.
Then again, I do remember thosewho left a negative impression,
(17:49):
such as picking their nose Yep,that has happened on FaceTime,
it was disgusting, did not getthe job or the people who don't
make eye contact.
That's not going to build arapport with my guests, with my
customers.
Or the ones who tell me howhorrible their finances are
which, by the way, is a huge redflag to interviewers, as it can
(18:11):
also lead to that.
Can they be trusted with moneyhandling type of scenario.
And then even those who bashtheir former employers I don't
want to hear how horrible yourformer employer was, because I
don't want to be in a string ofthose that you complain about in
the future.
Right, so, we can only controlwhat we can control.
(18:31):
However, if someone asked areally good question towards the
end of the interview, such assome I shared earlier, it has a
positive effect in getting myattention.
If someone thanks me for takingtime to interview them and
tells me that they enjoyed theprocess and they really look
forward to the possibility ofgetting to work alongside me and
representing our brand.
(18:51):
It makes me stop in my tracksin a good way.
Now I often will write in mynotes on that applicant they're
a culture champion or leadershippotential or something else to
trigger my brain how they stoodout to me, and not only are they
forefront of my mind then whenit comes to hiring for that role
, but I can also associate foryears to come how that person
(19:14):
made me feel Just the othernight.
This happened.
We're one of those seniors thatwe had taken out to dinner.
We were celebrating and sharingwhat was going on after high
school and that they were goingto pursue this or that in
college.
And it triggered that interviewwith him years ago where he
shared with me his passions andeven his reference check that I
(19:36):
checked into was superimpressive.
Because of that passion, heleft an impression.
He also obviously got the job,so leave a good impression.
So what will make you stand outabove others?
Maybe it's a kind word at theend of the interview?
An email follow-up thanking theinterviewer for their time A
(19:57):
note mailed thanking them forthe opportunity that would shock
me, because not very manypeople send notes these days or
even the interaction you hadbetween their front desk
receptionist or the first personinteracted with their own site,
thanking them for their time.
As you leave, whatever it is,leave a positive impression.
Now, again, these are just someof the ultimate basics, but I
(20:21):
hope they help in getting you,or even your friend or child or
student if you're a teacher ormentor or a grandchild or
neighbor, whomever you're tryingto help in getting a job that
it will help in setting upsuccess in having that first
initial audition, okay,interview.
As for our final tip, simplyput by poet and dramatist Oscar
(20:44):
Wilde says be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
Now, if you would like to divedeeper into this topic, there
are nine other episodes I wouldrecommend for you to go back and
listen to here on Holly'sHighlights.
The first one is going to beseason two, episode two, where
we talk about balancing lifestudent edition.
Because let's face it, ifyou're going to get a job,
(21:04):
you're going to be balancinglife now school and work and
everything in between.
Next one is going to be seasontwo, episode four, on three ways
to use your personality test.
Perhaps you're not even surewhat to apply for what you have
interest in doing.
Feel free to take thispersonality test and find out
more about taking a personalitytest and how that can reveal
(21:25):
some things that you actuallyenjoy or might be really good at
doing.
Season two, episode 15, leads usthrough five things employers
wish you knew Just a heads upfrom being on this end of it.
Five things employers wish youknew Just a heads up from being
on this end of it.
Five things employers wish youknew.
Going into season three,episode 11, five must reads for
personal growth and development.
We should always be growing anddeveloping ourself.
(21:45):
We are going to be our biggestadvocate, our biggest
cheerleaders.
We need to also make sure thatwe're the ones investing in us.
So make sure to check that out.
On five bus raids for personalgrowth and development.
Now, some of you are a littlenervous about interviewing
itself.
Well, season three, episode 12,is going to help you with that,
on how to talk to people, andwe actually speak with an
(22:07):
interviewer himself who doesinterviewing with celebrities.
So feel free to check that outand just learn how to have some
of those casual conversations.
Then season three, episode 20,employment in a post pandemic
world.
For those of you who might bescaling on the older side or
this is not your first rodeo,this would be a good episode for
(22:28):
you in just employment, postpandemic and what that looks
like.
And then, of course, seasonfour, episode 17, is 10 things
every student needs to know.
Just some helpful tips therefor you guys.
Season four, episode 19, isLabor Day Reflection on Work
Ethics and Service and ServantHeart.
Work ethic is a huge one, hugeone, so check out that episode
(22:50):
in any industry that you want togo into.
And then, last but not least,is season four, episode 24,
where I share 10 things thatI've learned on the job.
I hope these are helpful foryou, but whatever you're looking
at doing, I just hope that youapproach it with, again, that
best foot forward, and I wishyou the best of luck.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey of life.
(23:13):
I hope that today's highlighthas been encouraging, inspiring
and equipping so you can go outand live your life full of
purpose.
I'd be honored if you'd take amoment to leave a review or,
better yet, subscribe.
We can also stay in touch byjoining my email list at
hollykirbycom, that'sH-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Y dot com.
(23:36):
Until next time, make it agreat day for a great day.
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