You may recall that I am an expert on jobs, careers and labor issues who frequently espouses the importance of selling yourself in the interview. To assist you I developed two free and useful tools:
1. A weekly interview preparation blog. Please go to http://www.strategicsearch.com/interview-preparation-blog to read my ideas.
2. Monthly self-help videos called the “12 Commandments of Interviewing.” Please go to http://www.strategicsearch.com/interview-preparation-tips/index.php to view and apply.
Unfortunately, many experts preach countless “truths”, but fail to embrace their own wisdom. Fortunately, I had the rare opportunity to apply many of my suggestions during an extremely important, 90-minute Los Angeles meeting (interview) with two of the top producers of such television hits as The Apprentice and Survivor. We discussed my hybrid reality, self-help and educational show concept that guides twelve diverse job seekers through the landmines of job seeking using a unique and copyrighted 12-step program. Each step corresponds to a new episode for this twelve-week television show.
Though no contract was signed, the meeting was tremendously successful ending with both stating how impressed they were with both my concept and expertise. However, this was not by accident. Instead, I thoroughly practiced and applied what I preach.
Unfortunately, the interview day started out poorly when I discovered my power tie was left in Chicago. Also, ten different people, including the concierge at my hotel, provided ten different sets of directions, which were all incorrect! As a result, I got lost several times on route. Therefore, what should have been an easy twenty minute trip resulted in an 85 minute ordeal! Finally, a demanding cousin, who lives in Los Angeles, repeatedly called to unload her problems on me. This only exacerbated my stress.
Fortunately, I forcefully applied the powers of positive self-talk, which I regularly advocate to my candidates. For example, I repeatedly reassured myself that everything was going to work out fine. I also engaged in meditative breathing practices. This helped reduce my tension and improve my mental outlook for this important interview. This also contributed to my levelheaded research that uncovered a nearby Macy’s, which provided a suitable replacement tie.
Additionally, earlier that morning, I pushed myself to engage in a long, hard workout, which further reduced my stress and improved my mental outlook. This was followed by extensive vocal exercises and mirror drills, which simulated potential questions from the producers and my responses. This was similar to an actor preparing for an audition. Finally, I allowed myself enough time by leaving almost two hours early. This resulted in arriving on time despite the poor directions.
Before departing for LA, I also prepared extensively. This included practicing on video tape (one of the center pieces of my interview preparation strategy) with Bill Moller, a radio show host for both WGN and WLS (ABC) radio, whose programs I was repeatedly a guest on. Mr. Moller graciously drilled me during the mock interview about every possible contingency. As a result, the questions from both producers were very easy for me to handle.
The bottom line is practice makes perfect. In this rare interview opportunity, I was able to apply my craft for my own needs. The results were a powerful and successful interview!
One Response
Good luck with the proposal, Scott…very exciting! And what a great cautionary tale to relate to your clients about all the Murphy’s Law effects in the most stressful occasions. Maybe all of us in this business should add “yoga instruction” to our list of services… -Chris
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