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.

Creatively, I’ve been feeling drained lately. It’s as if a permanent roadblock has been planted in front of my brain. It forces me to take detours – poolside, wining and dining, and useless mind-numbing entertainment. Not that any of these pastimes should be looked down upon, but there is no forward progression without making it a priority in your life.

Like every Nike commercial banters… just do it! (Cliché… very). I’ll lead by example. Here are the steps I’m taking to reach my goal:

1. Time: An hour a day that focuses on your interest.

2. Invest: Research and subscribe to RSS feeds, magazines, and websites that feed your interest.

3. Bookmark: Bookmark those Internet pages of interest so they are at the top of your browser and ready to be right clicked.

4. Do it: Stop talking about “doing something” and instead change your exhausting verbal delays into actions.

Send me an email to let me know what steps you’re taking to reach your goals at michelle@jointap.com.