How do I overcome their biases regarding my gap in employment? My age? My clothing?
ALL of us have perceived biases ALL the time. It is Human Nature. Our brains are wired to protect us and we really don’t want that to go away. Every time you walk into a new situation or environment and meet new people our brain scans for danger and if it perceives anything that feels familiar that could be painful or uncomfortable, it will go into a protection mode and provoke a desire in you to either run, freeze or fight. Now... Is there anything that feels more dangerous than a job interview? Talk about vulnerability!
You are walking into small space, meeting people you don’t know to get something you need usually connected to the essentials of life, money, home and safety.
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On the other side...
The employer feels exposed too. They have a need, a gap, a hole in their pack, and it must be filled for the survival of the tribe, the machine, the system that supports both the people in the business and the people that are served by the business.
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So both players in an interview are exposed and both NEED each other.
And while you cannot not change anyone’s perceptions or control how other people think you can foster the potentiality of bonding and influencing.
Confident people that can communicate with their interviewers are most likely to overcome biases that are formed around safety and fear. So here are a few tips on how to be calm, present, impressive and encourage bonding during an interview.
- Breathe - Breathing in and out before and during the interview sends a message to your body that it is safe and can begin to relax.
- Curiosity - We are usually anxious because we are worried about the future or stuck in the past. You can’t be nervous when you are fully present and curiosity is the quickest was to be in the here and now. Be curious about the interviewers. Notice their facial expressions, energy and mood. When it’s your turn, ask open ended questions that start with “who, what, where and why.”
Try to think of interviews as parties being thrown on your behalf. Enjoy! 4.Though we are not in control of what other’s think, we do not have to aggravate the interviewer’s reptilian brain: No smoking, perfumes, or heavy makeup that may act as reminders of less appreciated people from your interviewer’s past.
5.Allow the employer to fall in love with you. They actually want to fill their position and are hoping you are the one to do so.
The Career Wisdom Institute invites you to Join our one day program, “Inside Job, 8 Secrets to Loving Your Work and Thriving” where we will provide you with methods for remaining calm, resilient and confident in all parts of your life.
Next Inside Job is April 25th Moraga CA. Register here:http://careerwisdominstitute.com/courses-and-services/upcoming-events/9:30 AM ‐ 4:30 PM $175.
If you are not able to join us in person and would like an individual or video consultation, please contact Sherry Platt Berman, MA at Sherry@careerwisdominstitute.com for a free 30 minute session.
