I’ve not got every job I’ve ever been interviewed for. And I think that’s the case for most of us. I’ve even been knocked back from those dream jobs more than once! But, if there’s one thing I’m good at it’s analyzing my weaknesses and turning them into strengths. I didn’t let the knockbacks get in my way, instead, I used them to help me get ahead instead.
It all started eight months ago. At the time, I was working as a manager and desperate to change paths. I had no exact experience in the industry I was trying to break into and I needed someone to just take a chance – but in this world experience is everything. I had learned from all of my other interviews. Employers were only interested in what I could offer them from the experience I had already gathered. And, I didn’t blame them. I would hire the girl with the relevant experience over me any day. So, it left me stuck.
But I was determined, and I knew that I needed to show the employers the reason why I was the best person for the job. I may not have had the skills they wanted, but I did have some skills, and I needed to show them that. Want to know how I did it? Take a look at my tips to help you get hired!
1. I knew what I was selling and I trusted my product
To tell you the truth, I’ve read a lot of articles advising me how to get a job. But, they all say the same things like ‘have a firm handshake’, ‘wear a suit’ and I can’t help but think really?! Are these the best tips they can give? They won’t deny you the job if your handshake is too weak, but they will deny you the job if you don’t walk into that room with confidence. I think there’s a fine line between being confident and being overconfident. My trick is not to overthink it. Just remain calm.
I walked into that room as if I was walking in to see an old friend. And trust me I know that interviews can make you uber nervous, but it’s important to be in control of this. I made sure that I hadn’t memorized answers for “what’s your biggest weakness?” and instead, showed how my skills would benefit them. Remember, you are pitching yourself, and in truth, you are the best person to do that. Don’t “um” and “ah” at your own skills, be the master at selling them.
2. I targeted the company
Not only did I research them enough to know them inside out, but I personally targeted them. Every time I apply for a job I tailor my CV to that job. You don’t need to include all of your experience, for example, this job wasn’t interested in my retail experience, so it was a waste of time including it in my CV. This way you’ll be showing that you’re the right fit. I personalized the Cover Letter and I knew who was going to be interviewing me.
By doing this, I was showing that I was not only passionate but willing to go the extra mile. And that’s what a company likes. They want people who can get the job done and see no obstacles. It’s not about just listing your skills, it’s proving them. And I do this by showing them where I think they can do better, and how I can be the one to make it better.
3. I was myself
This is what it really boils down to, and I’m lucky that I’m naturally confident and upbeat. For some people, it can be more of a struggle. But, by working on this, you won’t be doing it just to get the job, but to better yourself along the way. People respond really well to happy people, so when an environment can become very stressful it’s good to show that you can be a positive, go-getter. All jobs can get stressful, and there’s no predicting when this can hit. So by showing that you’re a self-motivated individual, who is very smiley and personable means that you’re showing them that you’ll be a great asset to the team.
All of these components came together to get me my dream job. It wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen within a week. But perseverance and the determination to get it right meant that even without the relevant skills I was someone they wanted. I went the extra mile and I never gave up and it’s those qualities that will get you your dream job too!
