Sometimes the “easy questions” are actually the hardest to answer.
I have coached so many execs who are in transition, looking for their next leadership opportunity, helping them with their interviewing and storytelling skills, and there's one question that seems to stump everyone:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Why does this always seem to short-circuit our brains? Because there's no clear focus. You know you need to give a 2-3 minute answer, but in the world of possible details to share about yourself, what's the .001% that deserves to be mentioned here?
I'm thrilled to have learned the answer from a true expert!
This week on the Speaking to Influence podcast, my guest is Jackie Linton, the President of the Philadelphia chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management, a.k.a. Philly SHRM. If there's anyone who understands the underlying psychology of the job interview, it's Jackie!
Jackie explains that this is your opportunity to share something that is NOT on your resume, that will give context to what IS there, or otherwise help the interviewer understand your motivations, thought processes, and more.
If you want more specifics about how to knock this answer out of the park, tune in to her episode.
And speaking of podcasts, I'm so excited to be part of a team that's looking forward to setting a new world record at Podfest this week and next. Next Monday, March 1 from 2:30-3pm ET I'll be speaking on “Finding Your Podcaster Voice: Speaking so People Want to Listen.”
This is for you if you:
- HOST a podcast or have ever considered hosting one
- Have been or want to be a GUEST on more podcasts
- Just want to speak with more INFLUENCE!
- Want to be a part of setting a new Guinness World Record for attendees to a virtual event (goal = 10,000!)
Check out the schedule here as the events begin this week.
Finally, don't forget — there's still time to register for Wednesday's delicious livestream event: “Parm with a Purpose” – a fundraiser to support The Adoption Center, whose mission is to help older children (12+ years old) in the foster care system to find their “forever families.”
Celebrity Chef Michael Ferguson will teach you in real time how to make the perfect chicken parmigiana — and there are even vegan and gluten-free versions of the recipe!
Please take a look at the event page and support The Adoption Center — even if you can't attend live, you'll still get Chef Michael's recipe which you can make ANYTIME, and I guarantee it will taste that much better knowing you're helping a child find the family who will someday share chicken parm at the table with them too!
What could taste better than that?
Here's to your success,
Laura
