Have you ever felt the nerves and uncertainty of a job interview? I remember my first interview at 17, standing in a long line, hoping to get a job at a supermarket to stay in school. When my turn came, the interviewer simply said, ‘You’re the girl with the beautiful handwriting. You’ve got the job.’ That moment carried me through university as a checkout chick.
Lesson 1: Embrace the Unexpected
Sometimes, the details we overlook can make a significant difference. I learned that small, seemingly insignificant things, like handwriting, can set us apart. This taught me to embrace the unexpected and be open to opportunities that might come in unusual forms. It’s crucial to recognise and value every aspect of ourselves because you never know what might catch someone’s eye.
Reflecting on that first interview, I realised how much power lies in the unique qualities we possess. It wasn’t my qualifications or experience that got me the job, but a simple detail that the interviewer found impressive. This early lesson has shaped my approach to career coaching, as I encourage my clients to embrace and highlight their unique traits.
From Checkout Chick to High School Teacher
Years later, as a high school math teacher, I was again spared from interview anxiety due to high demand. The fear of interviews still gripped me, but once again, fortune smiled on me. The education department desperately needed math teachers, so I was hired without an interview.
Lesson 2: Understand Market Demands
Understanding the market demands can sometimes work in your favour. My transition to teaching was smoother because I chose a field that was in high demand. This taught me the importance of aligning my skills with market needs, a lesson that has guided many of my career decisions since.
Teaching mathematics not only provided job security but also allowed me to develop skills that would be invaluable in my future career transitions. The experience taught me the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities when they arise. It’s a lesson I pass on to my clients, emphasising the need to stay informed about industry trends and demands.
Changing Careers Without Interviews
Ten years later, I decided to change careers and realised I had never experienced a formal job interview. I started my own business training office workers to use computer software. To understand my future clients, I did some temporary office work. A recruiting agency invited me for a ‘chat,’ which led to an unexpected work assignment—no interview required. This pattern of avoiding interviews continued as I transitioned into ICT Project Management.
Lesson 3: The Power of Networking
When I started doing temporary office work, I realised the power of networking. Building relationships and creating a strong professional network can sometimes open doors that formal processes might not. This reinforced the value of personal connections and being open to informal opportunities that can lead to significant career shifts.
Networking proved to be a crucial element in my career development. Through these connections, I gained access to opportunities that helped me transition into ICT Project Management. I encourage my clients to cultivate and leverage their networks, as these relationships can be instrumental in career growth and development.
Facing My First Real Interview
It wasn’t until 14 years into my career that I had my first real interview. By then, I had built a strong network and a proven track record, so the fear had subsided. Over the next 30 years, I navigated dozens of interviews as an ICT contractor and participated in many interview panels.
Lesson 4: Experience Builds Confidence
By the time I faced my first formal interview, my experience and achievements had built a strong foundation of confidence. I learned that preparation and a solid track record can significantly reduce interview anxiety. It’s essential to leverage your past experiences to build confidence for future opportunities.
Over the years, I developed a keen understanding of what interviewers look for. Being on both sides of the interview table provided me with insights that I now share with my clients. I teach them the importance of preparation, presentation, and confidence in overcoming interview challenges.
Embracing AI in Interview Preparation
Today, I use AI technology to help clients prepare for interviews. This technology has transformed how I approach interview preparation, helping clients understand what interviewers seek and how to present their strengths effectively.
Lesson 5: Leveraging Technology
In my last contract role for a federal government agency, I participated in a whole-of-government pilot of Microsoft Copilot. This experience showed me the power of AI in the workplace and inspired me to integrate it into my coaching. Leveraging technology can provide a significant edge in interview preparation, offering personalised insights and real-time feedback.
AI tools have revolutionised the way we prepare for interviews. They provide valuable feedback, simulate interview scenarios, and help clients practice their responses. Incorporating AI into my coaching has allowed me to offer a more comprehensive and effective preparation process.
Empowering Clients Through AI-Powered Interview Coaching
Through these experiences, I’ve coached and mentored colleagues on job applications, promotions, and interview preparations. My goal is to empower individuals to navigate the interview process with confidence and clarity.
Lesson 6: Stories Are Powerful
We’ve all seen people who interview well but lack the necessary skills, and those who struggle with interviews but have the talent. A crucial lesson is that storytelling is a powerful tool. Crafting compelling narratives about your experiences can help bridge the gap between your abilities and the interviewer’s expectations. AI can help you research and refine these stories, making them more targeted and impactful.
Effective storytelling is a skill that can set candidates apart. I encourage my clients to develop stories that highlight their achievements and skills, making them memorable to interviewers. This technique not only showcases their capabilities but also builds a connection with the interviewer.
Creating the AI-Powered Interview Preparation Webinar
That’s why I created the AI-Powered Interview Preparation Webinar. My goal is to empower individuals to understand both sides of the interview process, turning interview nerves into opportunities for growth and success. By sharing my story, I hope to remind you of your journey and inspire you to conquer your interview anxieties with confidence and clarity.
Lesson 7: Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Finally, being a life-long learner and embracing new technologies has been crucial in my journey. Staying adaptable and continuously learning new skills ensures that you remain relevant and prepared for any changes in the job market. This adaptability has been key to my success and is something I strive to instil in my clients.
Continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my career. By staying curious and open to new ideas, I’ve been able to adapt to changing environments and seize new opportunities. I encourage my clients to adopt a similar mindset, as it fosters growth and resilience.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey
My journey from interview anxiety to coaching confidence is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Each step along the way has provided valuable lessons that I now share with my clients.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a significant change, remember that each experience, no matter how small, contributes to your growth. Embrace the unexpected, leverage your network, build confidence through experience, and stay open to new technologies and continuous learning.
Join me in transforming your interview experience and unlocking your full potential. With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn interviews into opportunities for growth and success.
Transform Your Interview Experience Today!
Share Your Thoughts!
I hope you found my journey from interview anxiety to coaching confidence insightful and inspiring. Now, I want to hear from you! Have you experienced similar challenges in your career? What lessons have you learnt along the way?
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts, stories, and questions. Let’s create a community where we can support and learn from each other. Your input could help someone else on their journey to interview success!
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