Interview Yourself

This message is short and sweet and it has to do with self talk. Yesterday I was driving in the car, on the way to a networking event and I thought to myself, "Would I hire me?" Better yet, "What do I bring to the table and do I know how to sell those skills AND figure out if the position/job/career is the right fit for what I am looking for?" It should be a two-way street right?

I don't claim to be an expert in job hunting, interviewing, and whatever else is involved with that process.  I have never gotten rejected for a job that I applied for, which really isn't  that impressive, because I have never applied for a job that really stretched me, if that makes sense. So I can't tell you how to answer questions, or what to say or not to say, but I can tell you about attitude...and I mean specifically, the attitude you carry about yourself.

In the car, I asked myself regular interview questions (I think!) and then answered them boldly and confidently. The reason I am blogging about this is because I learned a ton from the 20-minute conversation (with myself!) and thought you may want to try it too. It revealed a different side of myself, specifically to do with my career, what my strengths are, what my weaknesses are, IF I were looking for a job, what would be a good fit and what wouldn't.

After this, I had clarity and a little bit more understanding about what I'm all about. It was fun; it provided valuable information, and I felt refreshed afterward.

As far as questions go, this may vary a bit depending on your industry, but this is what I asked:

What are you looking in a job or career? 

For me, I know that I must be working with people in an active environment. My role must be in leadership, and it must involve helping make someone else's life, job, career, self image better, and it must involve setting expectations for something better than expected.

What motivates you? Why do you want to pursue this project/position/career?

What are you really good at?

I know that I am really good with developing ideas, being creative, inspiring new projects, getting the ideas of something rolling, but that I need support when it comes to organization and implementation.

What type of work environment do you thrive in?

Do you like working with people? Managing people?

What type of leadership do you respond best to in the workplace? Surprisingly, I like harsh, truthful, almost negative-inspiration management (in the workplace). For example, tell me something is too challenging for me, or that I can't get it done, and I will prove you wrong. Set low expectations for me, and I will look for every excuse to get out of that environment. For me, the manager doesn't have to be the sharpest or the smartest, but simply needs to lead by example, and help take me (and my associates to the next level)

What are your strengths? And how do you work on improving them?

This is simple for me. My strength is encouraging people, of finding a "why" for what he/she is doing. For taking that info, digging deeper and figuring out how to help someone get from where they are to where they want to be, but aren't sure they can get to. My heart is for people and I thrive on helping others, so if I am in an environment where this is possible, it works. If I'm not, or I feel like my ideas, creativity or passion is being stifled, I'm no longer fit for that environment.

What are your weaknesses? And how do you deal with them?

Organization. Flat out. Specifically with paperwork. I'm great with scheduling appointments and events and getting things done, but ask me where my last invoice is or for my mileage record (I'll show you logs in my iPhone, on my computer, in a random notebook--or 2). It's ridiculous, but I have learned to laugh about it and celebrate small successes in organization, like today, I punched holes in a set of papers I regularly access in a binder. All the papers are finally in the binder (not in order), but they are at least all within the rings :)

If you can answer these questions about yourself (and whatever others pop into your head), it will give so much clarity into what you are really looking for out of a career, job, project, position, client, etc and really help you delve even more into who you are!