Photo Credit: Marcelo Nava via Compfight cc
A client saw a job description for a big job and commented: “that’s supposed to be even more dysfunctional than the place I work now! No way am I applying.”
My response: “If it’s the kind of work that interests you and the kind of prestigious organization that appeals to you, see if you can get an interview.”
Your goal right now is to get interviews, not a job. That comes later. At this point, interview experience is your data base. Did you know we have a sort of brain in our gut? That’s the one to start listening to. And that takes practice.
An interview is really the only place you can get to know for yourself what an organization’s culture is like. The first interview can give you a pretty good gut indicator.
Other people may find a place dysfunctional, yet it may be the kind of dysfunction you actually thrive in. Most places are dysfunctional in some way, so part of the transition process is to find the one that maximizes your effectiveness and minimizes your dissatisfaction.
That’s why it’s so important to have your own Must Have List. That’s where you identify how and in what circumstances you are happiest and doing your best work.
Going to an interview armed with that self-knowledge is very empowering – you now are interviewing them at the same time they are interviewing them. It changes the power dynamic from the get-go. Your consequent self-confidence will really help you recognize and then listen to your gut impressions and feelings.
Getting interviews is very empowering. It reinforces your value, and also allows you to “try on” various jobs and companies. Through this process, you become more certain of what fits and what doesn’t. When you finally find your “right fit,” it all just falls into place. Thus, more interviews than less are highly desirable.
