KNOW THYSELF

"Know thyself means this, that you get acquainted with what you know, and what you can do." ~ Menander

Watching the new CBS show, Undercover Boss, I thought about how interesting the difference is between how we see ourself, and how others actually see us.

The premise of the show is an owner or CEO of a company goes "undercover" in their own organization to see what is really going on; how the company employees really perceive the company. If you did this for your own organization, "Me Inc.", what would you find out about yourself that you didn't naturally see, or know?

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." ~Aristotle

Prior to an interview, it's critical for your success, to know how you are perceived. One way to do this before an interview is to work with a trusted friend, colleague or coach, who can conduct a mock interview and give you honest feedback about how you are viewed as an interviewee.

You may think you are doing a fabulous job of interviewing but you didn't realize you never made eye contact with the interviewer, or you annoyingly crossed your legs a hundred times during the interview, or twisted your hair, all of which can easily distract an interviewer's attention away from the focus of your experience and expertise.

So often our actions in an interview make or break the successful opportunity to move forward in the recruiting process. Once you are aware of these "unconscious" behaviors, you can be on your best behavior to nail the interview. Pull out that camcorder and film a mock interview and you will learn a lot about what the person across the desk in an interview sees during an interview with you!

GOOD NEWS: Jobs, jobs, jobs...more listed everyday on the various online sites. Be encouraged! Here's a new site I just came across from someone who each Monday posts new job openings. You can get on the distribution list by going to this site, and can also view the jobs he posted this week at: http://www.jeff-chase.com/job-links/
Job Fair Info: American General Life and Accident (AGLA) is holding a "Hiring Drive" this Wednesday, 10/6. The drive will be in Los Angeles to solicit on-site applications! Both entry-level and experienced candidates are encouraged to attend the event and apply. Link to info: http://hiringheroes.com/itinerary/

CONGRATULATIONS: To Dave C. who was recently hired by International Rectifier. Dave shared that he worked for this company for a long time and was part of a RIF several years ago. He pursued many jobs but was unemployed for a long while. He had heard about openings with IR and found out that Apple One was hiring contractors for this organization. He applied and was hired on contract, which eventually transitioned into a full time position as an employee, not contractor. The lesson here is to be in contact with your previous employer, because as our economy picks up, your previous employer will start hiring again, and if you start the conversation now with your previous manager, or Human Resources, you will be remembered when they are hiring!

BACTS FACT: "A recruiter will always know if you have prepared and practiced for the interview - and that's a good thing!" ~ Jan Smith

THAT'S IT: As a seasoned recruiter, it's evident when I interview someone who has no idea what position they are interviewing for. I once asked someone why they were interested in the position, and they replied, "I'm interviewing for anything and everything". This type of answer won't benefit you in the interview, instead, answer something along the lines of, "I've done some research on this position, and although I have never held this position before, my strong organizational and managerial skills will be an asset to this position and your company."

See the difference? Know Thy Self... understand what you can bring to the table. Be convincing, and be secure with yourself and your expertise and you will ace the interview!

"Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world." ~ Miguel de Cervantes

Good luck on the job search this week.

Jan

Jan M. Smith
Inland Management Group
Human Resource Consulting & Support to the Service Industry
(951) 302-6483
www.inlandmgtgroup.com
www.janmsmith.com
Twitter: @temecula_hr
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