Continued from Part 1.
#3. You “Have to Be” in order “To Be”
Have you carefully thought about how you project yourself in interviews? Are you all that you project yourself to be? Are you sure that you will thrive and not just survive in the new role?
I am not meaning that you are all that the role requires you to be as there will be a learning curve and constant self-development. But, do you have the basics to start with?
Every job at every level in every company and country will have its own demands and requirements. Have you often heard hiring managers give feedback as “we do not find a fit”? What they are actually saying is from what they have seen you display (during the interview) and what they know is required for the role and the surrounding in which it operates is not going to work. This means who you are and who you need to be for the role do not match.
Of course, I am not supporting biased, inaccurate or incompetent assessment but fair, honest and credible feedback.
Think about it deeply before you attend another interview in your life. There are several dangers in ignoring to check if you have the basics to thrive in the role. If you are going to just survive don’t go for that interview. Even, if you succeed (happens sometimes) you will struggle with the day to day role.
If as a person you do not have the attributes, skills, knowledge etc. don’t panic. You can set to work to gain them.
#4. Competitive Advantage is Won Every Single Day
Competitive advantage is having that extra edge that will help you to perform better in the role compared to other candidates. It could be qualifications, soft skills, work experience, personality, attitude, aptitude, career path, languages, networks etc.
One of the sure ways to succeed in an interview is to have as much competitive advantage as possible and demonstrate how it will enable you to perform the job better than others.
Many who are caught in the day to day demands of work-life forget to make themselves better. When you are in an active job search, there is a frantic rush to gain those new competencies and often it is too late.
It needs to be understood that most of the competencies take time, discipline and sacrifice. Investing in them will guarantee you a successful career. They are best achieved on a constant and regular basis when you are not looking for a change.
No one is exempt from gaining a competitive advantage in this fiercely competitive world.
Think about it. Are you just another Marketing Director or a VP Sales? Or are you an indispensable candidate? To stay one step ahead you want to show evidence that you know what things make you stand out and have taken the pain to do that.
People value those who stand out and have put the hard work and endured the pain to better themselves.
Remember, competitive advantage is won over every single day.
Continued in Part 3.
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