On the job with Rania: Positivity makes or breaks the deal
What really reflects is the way you present your professional history and handle your own shortcomings
Cynicism is deep, thought-provoking and unpleasant. So when it comes to job interviews, try positivity.
Why? Because hiring managers scan for an upbeat outlook that can handle job pressures. A cynic may be confused with a tired, desperate or bitter person who may seem, in their view, easier to break down or give up when push comes to shove.
However, don't take positivity as a hollow smile on top of clean suit and trimmed fingernails. A cleaned up appearance is a must but what really reflects your constructive personality is the way you present your professional history, deal with any dark spots on your resume and handle your own shortcomings.
Positivity can be further demonstrated in your willingness to learn and to be trained and your assumed flexibility in working with other team members.
Here are a few questions and situations when positivity can make or break the deal:
Reason for quitting
If and when you're asked about the reason for quitting your current job or previous employers, you might be tempted to vent regarding low pay, long hours, an abusive boss, uncooperative co-workers, dead end job, etc.
Instead of dwelling on negative aspects which may not in fact be a direct cause of your decision, pause and calibrate your reswponse. It can be much more constructive to explain how you're seeking, or sought, more advancement opportunities, better working environment or a favourable corporate culture, or how you feel you're ready for a new challenge.
Explaining resumé gaps
If you're forced to look back at your career hiccups during a job interview, try to handle rationally your responsibility. If you were fired or made redundant partially for your own fault, explain what it meant to you and how it has shaped your view of your career, provide clear plans for future commitments and bring in what you accomplished during your career break in terms of social or family contributions. Resumé gaps that are a result of child care, illness or other personal circumstances are easier to explain. However, you will always need to stress on your readiness to return to full time routine and your comfort with your decisions.
Money talk
Under no circumstances you need to say you're desperate for a paycheque to make ends meet even if it is the case. If you're concerned that any negotiation of the potential financial package may cost you the job, remain on the safe side and explain that you'd accept a fair and competitive offer. A dose of confidence in your skills by explaining how they best fit the job description may help boost your price. By doing so you're marketing yourself and negotiating your remuneration without mentioning the money.
The missing pieces
You may know you don't have the needed experience or you're lacking one of the requirements for the job before you walk into the room for your personal interview. The fact is you've earned an interview and you have the choice between highlighting your shortcomings and building on your points of strength and potential skills. I'm sure the latter would place you in a much better position and ahead of other candidates. Additionally a forward-looking perspective of these missing skills can be played in your favour. For instance, you may stress your willingness to enroll in a language class if needed for the job, which will prove your commitment and readiness to go an extra mile.
Trapped
It is uncommon that an interviewer will turn aggressive against a job candidate during a personal interview. However, it does happen as a tactic to see the reaction or as a result of the interviewer's poor skills. While personal attacks are generally unacceptable, an unexpected question or unusual tone that is suspected as a test should be handled with calmness and composure. For instance, a customer service agent who claims he/she can deal with client anger should not run out of the office if the interviewer turns up the heat.
Lost and found
If you're informed that you've lost the job to another candidate, don't throw a fit. You cannot really squeeze an arm to be hired, but what you can do is to receive a decent feedback that helps you with the next job opportunity. Don't hesitate to e-mail back and ask for why you were not selected. If you receive a response, you will be able to work on your faults or at least gauge the gap between your skills and this particular job.
The writer, a former Business Features Editor at Gulf News, is a freelance journalist based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
