On the Job Hunt? Here Is Some Advice For Even The Toughest Interviews.

"No, sorry, we chose somebody else." 

"You are overqualified."

"We're looking for someone with more experience."

We have all heard statements like these sometime in our careers. The job hunt can be a brutal process. For many of us, it can be humiliating and self destructive.

If we don't get the job, we feel like we have done something wrong or we are not good enough.

Applying for jobs is tough in the best of circumstances. However, with record unemployment, it is hard to feel confident when we are desperate for work.

There is good news for Patch readers! Every week, Patch will feature a new tip on finding the right job. Learn how to craft a resume, interview with ease and land the job of your dreams. 

We are also going to talk to area business owners to hear what they look for when hiring. Patch will get inside the minds of people making the decisions.

For example, honesty, reliability and attitude are three qualities business owner Jim Goocher looks for when he interviews job candidates for his company, All Seasons Landscaping Services in Shorewood.

Tip #1: Be real

Stress and anxiety can cause us to say and do all kinds of things that we wouldn't ordinarily. Interviews are not the right time to over-inflate the truth. 

During an interview, if you are stumped by a tough question, do not over-reach. Instead, take a deep breath and deflate the question. Answer honestly with integrity. Don't fake it. 

You do not have to spill your guts and admit all things you do not know or never learned. This is not confession. Give a short answer and be real. You will earn more respect for knowing your limits.

Tip #2: Go prepared

The best way to be prepared for these situations is to practice. Just like you go in for any test, you should also get ready for an interview. 

Sit down with a piece of paper and pencil. List all the potholes in your resume.

Write out all the tough questions you hope they don't ask you. 

This is a terribly masochistic exercise. Yet, it will help you build confidence. Next to each tough topic, write a positive statement. 

"Yes, I was terminated from my last position. It was a humbling experience, and now I have a much better perspective. I won't take my job for granted and I am refocused and re-energized toward making your business successful. I will be your best employee."

Put yourself in a position of strength. You will be more confident and less likely to put your foot in  your mouth. 

We all have things we would rather not shine a spotlight on. However, it is truly better to have your boss know about them and set them aside than to feel like you have to hide it the rest of your career.

Just because we do not get the job we are after, doesn't mean we are bad people. It just means that for whatever reason, it wasn't the right match. Job hunters, give yourselves a break. It is going to take a whole lot of "no's" before you get the right "yes."