Good day (g'day) victorious! Dobrý den testimony of goodness! May GOD reward your tithes, offerings and alms! Settle your affairs according to justice (Psalms 112:5) and do not eat the bread of him whose eye is evil (Proverbs 23:6). When scandals will be exposed, you will rejoice for having chosen integrity. Do your best and GOD will take care of the rest.
You can build your career. Know your starting point, identify your ending point, estimate the distance between the two, and let the HOLY SPIRIT show you how to cross the gap. Previously in the career section, I shared my tips for preparing for a job interview, transforming your unemployment period, talking about your weaknesses and writing a resume. Today I'm offering you my advice on how to answer the most important question in a job interview: " Introduce yourself // Tell me about yourself ".
A. Commit yourself to the LORD
B. What you say and how you say it
C. Stop complexes: accent, stuttering, disability, impostor syndrome
D. Introducing yourself: 5 things to mention in 3 minutes
E. Introducing yourself: 3 traps to avoid
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
( 1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)
A. Commit yourself to the LORD
" Entrust your destiny to the LORD; entrust yourself to him: he will do [what is necessary]. (Psalms 37:5, Bible French Jewish translation)
If you don't invite GOD at the beginning, don't expect Him at the end. GOD is Love, but He resides in Truth. Recommending yourself to GOD is not just about praying that the interview will go well. It is also a commitment to choose GOD's methods. For example, don't cheat, don't lie. You don't go to a job interview to prove to the recruiters what you can do (there are tests and trial periods for that). You go there to present your profile and your potential; you go there to talk about your knowledge, skills, experience, ideas, qualities, and professional aspirations. You go there to talk about what you know, have done, do, can do, want to do, and why.
Pray, prepare for your interview, be honest in what you say, and try to express yourself clearly. The rest is up to GOD. He is the master of times and circumstances. Refuse to stress over things that are out of your control. If your application is accepted, great. If you are not, good, GOD has a better opportunity for you. If you are selected, but GOD asks you to decline the offer, good, He will certainly reward your obedience. Besides, " we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV).
B. What you say and how you say it
" But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ( 1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)
To a recruiter, the way you speak is an indicator of who you are. During the interview, he will listen to what you say and observe how you say it. For example : assertiveness, conciseness, confidence, respect of speaking time, quality of answers or argumentation, clarity of explanations, mastery of language, motivation, dress, posture, etc. They will evaluate whether or not the interview confirmed the impression given by your CV. Then, according to his criteria, he will evaluate if your profile could indeed correspond to the requirements of the position. Beyond your skills, he will evaluate if you could easily adapt to the company's culture and communication style. While the recruiter is wondering if you are the right candidate, ask the HOLY SPIRIT to tell you if this position is the right opportunity for you. What do you think of the job description?
C. Stop complexes: accent, stuttering, disability, impostor syndrome
" Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV)
We are all created in the image and likeness of GOD. Every human being, regardless of color, weight, height, body type, with or without disabilities, is a reflection of GOD through his or her qualities (character), abilities (skills, creativity, gifts, talents, ingenuity, leadership, functions, potential) and the quality of his or her relationships with others. GOD never lies. If he says we are all created in his image and likeness, then we are. No discrimination, opinion, disability, or weakness can reduce your value in GOD's eyes. So don't let them define you. Don't let your disability and your insecurities keep you from being the best you can be, the best version of you. I'm not asking you to pretend. Faith does not deny reality. Faith says what GOD says and does what GOD tells you to do in spite of circumstances and appearances. I ask you to meditate on the word, believe, and act accordingly. If you believe that GOD can do, if you believe that GOD wants to do, then you prepare yourself accordingly. What do you believe?
Accent
Everyone has an accent. On a daily basis, I interact with people from various backgrounds, located on four continents. I start a conversation in French, end it in English, and vice versa. For half of my interlocutors, these two languages are not their mother tongues. Despite our different accents, we understand each other very well. ⇒ Because our focus is on the words and not on each other's accents. If you have a strong accent, speak slowly and construct your sentences well. I speak the two national languages of Cameroon (French & English), plus the local language of my ethnic group (Bassa). I understand Pidgin and another local language of my country even if I don't speak them. If you address me in one of these languages I will answer in English or French. I read Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Half of the translations of my articles into these languages are done by me. I also have some knowledge of other languages. However, when speaking, I do not express myself in these languages 🙂 From a sociolinguistic point of view, everyone has an accent. I recognize that the accent can be a real problem for some. Either because others don't understand when they speak, or because some people think that those who have their accent are not educated. You are not responsible for people's opinions. If your accent makes it hard for people to understand you, it's not their fault or yours. So do what you can and let GOD take care of the rest.
** 3 tips to reduce your accent: listen, watch subtitled videos and talk to native speakers.
Stuttering and Disability
Trusting in GOD will quickly relieve stress. Try to keep your sentences short and don't hesitate to take breaks (or a sip of water) before speaking. Don't try to imagine what your interviewers are thinking, focus on yourself. Recruiters will listen to what you say while stuttering and observe how you handle stress. Don't let your disability rule your job interviews. Sure, it's easier for others. But it's not impossible for you. Employers are looking for competent people, not smooth talkers 🙂 Prepare, train, pray and trust GOD for the future.
** Tip: Pray regularly at home in tongues. By praying in tongues you will receive the spiritual benefits of praying in tongues and you will release stress (a trigger for stuttering).
Imposter syndrome (impostor complex or self-dictate syndrome)
Statistically, 7 out of 10 people have at least once suffered from the impostor complex, including gifted people and high potential profiles. Both extroverts and introverts are concerned. But not surprisingly, introverts (I am one of them) and intuitive gifted people, take longer to get rid of it than others. I suffered from this complex. My advice: develop your communion with the HOLY SPIRIT + know the history of the heroes of the Bible + read biographies + listen to testimonies + separate yourself from toxic relationships + get away from people without ambitions. Communion with the HOLY SPIRIT reminds you that you are what GOD says. It is not pretentious to recognize the gifts and qualities that GOD has placed in you. Heroes' Bible stories remind you that it is with GOD that we will do exploits. Biographies and testimonies remind you that GOD is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Toxic relationships feed the lack of self-confidence while people without ambitions reinforce comfort zones. The first say "you are not capable". The second say " you don't need to be challenged ". Recruiters may forget your words, but they will remember the impression you made on them when you said it. Lacking confidence does not make you incompetent. Speak confidently about what you've learned, what you've done, and what you want to do.
** Tip: " Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5, NKJV). GOD equips and assits his children. He knows you better than you know yourself.
D. Introducing yourself: 5 things to mention in 3 minutes
" A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel " (Proverbs 1:5, NKJV)
I tell those I coach " substance before form. The what before the how ". The form must serve the content and not the contrary. My recommendation: list the 5 elements to mention during your presentation, then construct your pitch, then correct your pitch. You will have to do the exercise once or twice, and you will understand the mechanism. You will be able to improvise and adapt your presentation for any type of interview. You won't need to memorize and repeat your pitch mechanically like a robot. In case of a stutter, you will be able to bounce back easily. You must be able to present yourself in 3 minutes. Your presentation must include the following five elements: Identity => Position => Background/experience => Motivation/project => Qualities/values.
Identity
First name + Last name or vice versa + Nationality if you are a foreigner (optional, but personally I am proud of my color and my country, I always say that I am Cameroonian). + If you can express yourself in several languages in a professional environment (sign language or oral languages).
Position
If you are a student: your area of study, your major, the name and city of your school.
If you already have a job: the title of your job, the name of the employer, the sector of activity, how long you have been working, and the type of contract (alternative, fixed-term contract, permanent contract, internship, etc)
If you are unemployed: the title of the job you are looking for or the title corresponding to your diplomas.
Background/Experience
A summary of your background (academic and professional). Choose the most significant and rewarding ones in relation to the position 🙂 Do not recite your CV in a chronological and monotonous way. Your interviewers have read your CV before inviting you to a job interview and they will certainly have your CV in front of them during the interview.
Motivation / Professional project
If you are a student or in professional reconversion: The reason why you have chosen your specialization (or reconversion) and your medium-term project. In other words, what job and what type of position you would like to hold in the medium term. If you are not a student: either what you think of your job, the main reason why you want to change jobs, or what motivates you on a daily basis.
Qualities/Values
Two qualities (self-reliance, enthusiasm, etc) or two values (e.g. respect, kindness, team spirit, traceability, etc). You can also do a mix of both.
E. Introducing yourself: 3 traps to avoid
"Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days." (Proverbs 19:20, NKJV)
An inappropriate dress code
Your clothes should be decent, appropriate and comfortable. We don't care if your clothes are from a big brand, but your outfit should be appropriate. Absolutely avoid transparent or very eccentric clothes. Choose sober jewelry. Yes, you are proud of your style, your culture, and your origins, but be careful, a job interview is neither a date nor a cultural meeting. Sneakers are allowed as long as they match your outfit and the image you want to give. As far as I'm concerned, avoid sneakers as much as possible.
Talk very fast
Yes, you have to speak with dynamism and it is important that people can clearly hear you when you speak. But it is also important that you are well understood and that the conversation is pleasant for the other person. If you speak very quickly, it may be difficult for people to understand you. Talking very slowly could annoy your interlocutors and give the impression that you are not motivated. This is especially true if your audience has a choleric temperament (Red). Find the right balance.
Sharing your private life
Talking about your family and your social activities once may make your interviewer smile, but if you keep talking about it, you will annoy him (or her). You are there for a job interview, not to meet new friends. Keep the purpose of the conversation in mind. Don't dwell on anecdotes that don't enhance your profile. I know some people do this consciously to indirectly make it clear to recruiters that they won't sacrifice their personal life for work 🙂 A way of saying, " I won't be there at 7 am and I won't be there after 6 pm. Don't count on me to work during the weekends. Nor on my days off..." I understand and agree with this need. However, I think it's best to make this clear at the end of the interview. You will ask about hours and work organization. Then you will specify your needs and constraints.
After prayer and communion with the HOLY SPIRIT, the third key to a successful job interview is preparation. Unfortunately, some people pray without preparing, while others prepare without praying. You: pray, prepare and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. A successful interview will not necessarily lead to recruitment. The interview is not the only consideration for a recruiter, and the importance of one criterion is relative. A successful interview does not make you the best (all is grace). A failed interview does not reduce your skills. It was nothing more or less than an interview. If your application is accepted, great. If you are not, good, GOD has a better opportunity for you. If you are selected, but GOD asks you to decline the offer, good, He will certainly reward your obedience. Besides, " we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV).
** Good day : (pronounces g'day) = Good morning in Australian slang
** Dobrý den = Good morning in Czech