Job interviews and dating

"first date - première rencontre" by P. Marioné

I didn't write for a few days but I was very busy with my job search. I actually got my first job interview. Despite I have been there many times, a job interview is always "spannend", using a Dutch world. My career coach suggested that it's like falling in love. I guess she's right, but to me it's more like going to first date.

First date ramblings

After chatting with him on Tinder you decide to go on a date. The idea makes you nervous. After all his face in the picture is barely visible and for all that you know it could have been taken ages ago or maybe it's not even his. What if he's a serial killer, or a maniac, or he has a quick temperament? What the hell, you can at least give it a try. Wait, what if he's handsome, successful, brilliant man instead and you're a "quack" in his eyes. You want to make a good impression but how? What to wear? What to say? What if you think something to talk about to break the ice. You want to be yourself but not too much. What does it mean "too much"?  You changed your mind, what cares if he doesn't like you. It's his loss.

The right place

After going on and on with this raging thoughts you get your first date. It can go well or less well. You can find a connection with the interviewer or not but in the end what really matters is to find the right place for you, where your skills, knowledge and personality can be appreciated and valued. Of course you want to be the best version of yourself but acting a part is not in your best interest. I really believe you can land the best job when you're honest with yourself first and secondly with others

Improvement areas

My experience with this job interview was very positive. When they asked me about my faults or improvement areas I was sincere. There's no point in turning doubtful traits into qualities. Interviewers are not dumb and I'm sure they appreciate honesty. For sure weaknesses can be framed in way that doesn't make them so threatening or problematic. Otherwise you can describe how you learned to deal with them. For example if you tend to overwork and get stressed you can explain how you managed to care about the job while keeping a healthy separation between job and personal life. If you tend to be shy and insecure, you can you say that while being independent you believe that two heads are better than one. If you don't have an outgoing personality you can argue that while you are a team player you find your focus best when working alone.

We all have weaknesses but if you understand where they come from and you learn to accept them they can make you stronger certainly in the eyes of an interviewer.