The world is crazy right now to say the least!! Unemployment is at an all-time high, “the rona” cases are rising putting people’s health at risk and even jobs on the line due to companies losing money, so yeah its insane! One thing I do know for sure is that we will all make it through if we can focus on the important things.
It makes me think about the tough times I had when I was pregnant with both of my daughters, especially the older one. I was young, still in college and put on bed rest for three months. I remember not wanting to drop my classes because I didn’t want to lose focus. I ended up working with my professors and completing my second semester of college, but that wasn’t where the difficulty ceased.
From there, I had Faith and immediately began to look for a job. I now had this little human depending on me while trying to establish myself in the working world. This was way before I became a Corporate Recruiter and of course before googling (I know, weird). Nevertheless, I put in applications and finally got an interview. I was very nervous and remember stressing and wondering how to prepare and what I needed to take with me to the interview. In the end I learned what I could to prepare and landed the job! It was at a Pediatrics office where I checked patients in. It was a great learning experience!
Right now, focus on things that are in your control, like getting back to work if you’re unemployed, landing that dream career, going back to school or negotiating a salary increase, whatever it is now is the best time to focus any energy towards these efforts. If you’re out of work focus on organizing your career and landing an interview to get back to work ASAP.
For those of you preparing for interviews here are some tips on what to take to the interview:
Cover letter – This should include the skills you have as it relates to the job you are applying for, be sure that it isn’t a generic cover letter it needs to be specific to the job and company you are interviewing for.
Resume – Bringing a resume is ALWAYS a must, this is another area where sometimes people show up without it and I just don’t understand why. While the recruiter and hiring manager have access to your resume it is possible something might have happened and the manager doesn’t bring it in with them to the interview, at that point they will ask for a copy. If you don’t bring the resume it looks as if you aren’t prepared.
Copy of references – I believe most companies utilize background agencies to verify employment these days, however sometimes hiring managers may want to reach out to references, by having this on hand for them it eliminates them having to come back and ask you for them.
Prepared – Come to the interview prepared. Make sure you have a good mindset and are ready to tackle questions that might be answered. Also, be prepared to ask them questions. The interviews go both ways.
Great Attitude/Energy – Most importantly come to the interview with a positive attitude and enthusiastic energy. You want the manager to feel your eagerness to be offered a position at their company on their team. You want to come off as a team player, by doing this it makes it easier for the manager to see you as part of the team.
Life is always what we make of it! It is my hope that this time will be utilized to make the very best of it whether it be landing a dream career, learning from job interviews (what to do, what not to do) or making memorable moments with family.
Hang in there girl! I am 100% confident with the right energy we will make it through!