What is the best way to brush up on interviewing skills?

Mandi T. on December 21, 2017

Interviewing

Hello, I have been out of cancer treatment for a while. Unfortunately, I had to quit my job (which I did not want to quit) in 2017 as my apartment was being remodeled for the past year. I am living in a temporary location while job hunt and consider making a geographic shift from Menlo Park, CA to another part of California or US. It has been a slow road to getting interviews. Now I am starting to have a number of phone interviews and videoconference interviews; however, now I realize I do not present myself as well I as hoped. Do you have a recommendation on how to improve my interview skills? - Is it working with a career coach or an accountability partner? - If you are near your old business support network, are there online job support groups you recommend or ways to find local support groups? - Is it going to Toastmaster or Dale Carnegie workshop? Ideas are welcome! Thank you! Happy Holidays! Mandi

2 Comments

Image of Nicole Franklin, MPH

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Dec 21, 2017

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Mandi,


Thanks for writing to us.  It’s great to hear that you’ve been getting a lot of job interview requests recently!  I understand your desire to improve your skills and confidence as you continue to interview with prospective employers and move forward with your job search.


I sent your post to one of our career coaches who will be in touch soon, but in the meantime I would recommend checking out the following resources:



A coach will be in touch soon!


Kind regards,


Nicole Franklin, MPH


Manager of Programs


Cancer and Careers

Image of Kathy F.

Kathy F.

Dec 21, 2017

Hi, Mandi, 


You are asking all the right questions.  And if it has been a while since you interviewed, you have found out that things are a bit different today.  Video interviews being the primary big change.


In addition to all that Nicole mentioned above, and they are great suggestions, I have some simple preparation tips for you.


First, be sure you do a personal inventory of your skills and accomplishments. List for yourself every skill that you have developed over the course of your career.  Then,  list all the things you have done that make you proud.  In other words, when have you made a difference for your firm? What have you done that had an impact, what results were you able to Achieve?


That inventory gives you the foundation for interviewing.  Once that is complete, think of short personal anecdotes to share about each skill and accomplishment.  Illustrating the things you claim will make your interview come alive.


Then, practice, practice, practice.  Record yourself on your phone and play it back.  Critique yourself, or ask a trusted friend to do so.


With a little additional prep, your confidence will soar and your personality will shine through.


Wishing you great success and Happy Holidays!


Kathy Flora, Career Coach

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