Quick Question: I want to get hired for a job but there is a lot of competition. What can I do to give myself an advantage and "stand out" in a crowd?
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It is completely legitimate for corporations to ask prospective employees to take tests given by psychologists. It is also your choice to seek a therapist for brief therapy to give you the upper hand before you meet with an interviewer or take those tests and measurements.
In the age of technology, it is entirely possible to conduct a few Brief Counseling (insight oriented, goal oriented, and time-limited) therapy sessions to help focus you as to what you bring to the table at your interview -- AND to do this over the phone or through emails (provided you sign paperwork explaining to you the risks and benefits of using technology as it relates to confidentiality).
A therapist can give you feedback as to how you come across to another person, even if the content of the interview and the job specifications are unfamiliar. We are, of course, in the business of reading and observing emotions, behaviors, and unspoken communication, as well as verbal communication and facial expressions. These days, businesses are not only hiring people who can do the work; there are plenty of people available for the amount of openings. They are also looking for people they can get along with and that they perceive their other employees and/or customers will be able to relate to.
If you can't afford this option, there are many books on the subject of preparing you for an interview, and these can be checked out of your local library. Here's just two:
At a minimum, you should sit with a friend who has hired employees for his/her job, and do a couple of practice run throughs, including what to wear (i.e. first impressions), body language, handshake (firm grip, don't pump), eye contact, exuding confidence without arrogance, and knowing how and when to ask questions. A lot of preparation is spent on convincing employers that you are technically and academically qualified for the job, so if you've gotten an interview lined up, you can know that everyone else who is being interviewed is also qualified. What they will also be looking for is your EQ or Emotional Quotient: that is, how "intelligent" are you on an emotional or relational scale? Also referred to as the "soft side" of management, this is a two-way street where both employer and employee are checking each other out for the more gratifying aspects of the work environment, such as friendliness, open-mindedness, ease of being, relationship skills, and work-life balance qualities that cause most of us to "connect" or "synch" with others.
There are some standard questions that are always asked about your experience and your perspective, and you should practice being watched as you answer these questions, especially as they pertain to your former place of work. If you cannot get with someone right away to practice and observe you, you should get in your best lit bathroom and practice in front of a mirror, noting any nervous behavior and figuring out how to keep yourself calm and friendly. If you have a digital camcorder, film yourself for 10 minutes, no notes, just cue cards with questions that you believe will be asked during the interview.
I hate to say it, but one truth is that the good-looking and the friendly people tend to get hired over the workaholics who are not easy to work with. It will be easier if an interview can see you smile, answer intelligently, and have a sense of appropriate humor.
Quick Question Lady
