How can we perform in an interview when we don’t know how to sell ourselves! Think of yourself as a brand. For example, on a bottle of shampoo you can read the strengths and benefits of the product: fresh fragrance, conditioning, strengthening, volumizing, etc. Define your natural abilities and learn how to highlight them during an interview.

We will never be fully prepared for all the extreme questions thrown at us in an interview. One time I was asked, “If you were a bottle of hairspray, what color would you be and why?” In retrospect I can clearly see several reasons why this question was asked of me: to understand my creativity, to gauge my knowledge of the industry and (most importantly) to see how well I know myself. Answering this question with confidence was crucial. Can you enter an interview with poise and self knowledge?

Yes, I have studied all the lists of “Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts.” I could drive myself crazy memorizing rules: research the interviewing company, look the interviewer in the eye when shaking hands, sit down after the interviewer has taken his/her seat, be prepared to turn the “weakness” question into a strength, be equipped with questions to prove interest, ask for a business card before exiting; the list could go on infinity. Trying to recall what to do and what not to do would make it impossible to focus on the conversation.

The best advice I have does not come from that list of tactics. What is my secret ingredient? BE YOURSELF. I think the anxiety of having done my homework before going into the interview is what makes me nervous. Am I really prepared? I remember, yes I am ready. Before the interview, when my heart is beating at double pace, I pause, breath, and close my eyes. I take a few minutes to regroup and repeat a mantra. I practice relaxing and realizing that no one is perfect during the interviewing process. Self-awareness has always been my greatest asset. With that assurance, I know that the appropriate response to any question is always within reach.

Yes! Why fear change? You shouldn’t. The ability to handle pressure is enticing to employers. If you aren’t able to adapt to a changing work environment, then you may need to rethink the application to sell $5 footlongs.

I’ve taken a double take while working at TAP. Sufficient just isn’t enough in todays economic down turn. Finding and keeping a job is harder than ever. Unemployment is rising, jobs are scarce and the U.S. is in a recession.

Stay current and make effective use of free time to learn how to use social networking websites, latest software, and sharpen your communication skills. Most importantly: Invest in your future – do your homework and change for the better. Make it part of your routine and daily news consumption.

Send your ideas to ken@jointap.com on how we can change for the better. Pennies accepted.