job promotion

[sparks13]

I am in my 40's and was looking for a self help book to help me with job interviews when I found this book. I can identify most with being an introvert. I am also extremely shy so I don't know which is the reason why I fail at interviews. I find that I get so nervous talking to someone even one on one that my mind goes completely blank. I really want this other position at work but dread the interview. Any suggestions on how to deal with the interview. It is done by three people taking turns asking questions, only a short time to think of an answer. For example, one of the questions from the last interview was: If you are working on a committee to institute a policy and didn't agree with it what would you do? My true answer would be either quit or go home and cry. I thought the answer they wanted was to analyze both sides and see if there was a compromise. But they didn't understand and I had to keep repeating it because one person was on the phone as a conference call and thought she didn't hear me. Needless to say the rest of the interview was down hill from then on.

[pineapple13]

Hello Sparks13,
Don't have much advice about the interviewing except to practice answering questions with a friend.  Practicing my answers out loud helps me feel more confident.  I hate interviewing too.  So much stress and I walk out feeling like it was horrible.  My best interviews have been when the interviewer or interviewers did all the talking!!!

Good luck,
C

[sparks13]

Thanks pineapple for your help. I"ll try to get someone to help me. The problem is not knowing what the questions will be. I have had 4 interviews, each one different, and I only passed 1. Which I found out from my boss was because she helped me. She made the final decision. She also told me when she told the managers who was chosen, there were 3 of us out of 6, no one objected to or had concerns about me getting it. I am debating about talking to her again about it. To find out how much work I need to do to improve my interview skills. Shyness factor is kicking in on whether to talk to her again. She is actually very nice person but I still get very nervous talking to her. I am not sure if it is because of her being in authority and all or just my shyness.

[toftshyness]

One thing I find it useful when I have an interview is around 15 mins before I go into the interview, I quickly call up a friend and just chat with them for a couple of minutes...this helps keep me diesel fuel going. lol..it kinda helps me to be chatty a little bit.

[ObieDobie]

I find it helps to write down my accomplishments - I tend to downplay and underestimate what I do and writing it down reminds me how much I actually do.  You have to toot your horn. 

[flame]

Amen, Obiedobie This is really important...no one else will toot it so we have to ...even if other people think it's being conceited...it's good to say nice things about yourself, and recognize your own achievements.

[seaimsk]

If you have ever been passed over for a promotion that you thought you deserved, it's time to reevaluate your situation to understand why you seem to be stuck on the last rung of the corporate ladder.

The first thing you must ask yourself is, "Did I make it known that I wanted the promotion?" This may seem like common sense, but some people believe that they do not have to be aggressive or even voice their desire that they be placed in the running. Even if you are the ideal candidate for the job, if no one knows you are interested, chances are you will not be considered.

Second, be realistic. Before you get your hopes up on that vice president's job, ask yourself if you are qualified. Working in the mailroom does not merit a leap to a corner office. Know the qualifications of the position and be sure you fit the company's needs. If you are in fact qualified, make it known. Self-confidence and self-assuredness is a must when climbing the corporate ladder. While most of us are taught from a very young age not to brag or show off, our accomplishments do not always speak for themselves.

Getting ahead on the job takes more than merely doing a good job. Drop subtle reminders to your boss of your accomplishments. Detail how the company has benefited from your ideas and suggestions and will only benefit further by giving you greater responsibilities and duties.

Unfortunately, getting a promotion can oftentimes be a competition. You will have to fight for what you want ? but fight fair. Loyalty plays an important role in getting a promotion. Contrary to what we see on television and in the movies, back-stabbing tactics will not get you very far in the real corporate world. Being a loyal employee, co-worker or supervisor will only make advancement in the workplace easier. But remember the difference between loyalty and overkill. You do not have to be everyone's best friend. It is more important to be well-respected than well-liked.

When it comes down to the final interview, let your self-confidence and past achievements shine and as the old saying goes, "Never let them see you sweat" ? there'll be plenty of time for sweating when you are givien your first assignment in your new position.




pitbull