The Application Of Betting On Yourself!
I’ve been meaning to nominate myself for an award and kind of been waiting for the right time to do it. So after a nice breakfast and a change of scenery from home I’ve just done it! I’m sharing this because I absolutely relate to how it feels to apply for an ideal position. It feels like this, where you have to find the confidence to essentially ‘bet’ on yourself. I’m hoping that by sharing this you feel inspired to talk about yourself as positively as possible, and perhaps it will provide a bit of a template/ example of how I’ve gone about celebrating my successes …
(This application has a word limit of 500 and is a nomination for an award in coaching within the employment sector).
The application process has become more advanced with often 3-4 stage interviews, phone screening, testing and presentations (to name a few of the hurdles job seekers have to jump through). By the time I work with my clients, their confidence is at an all-time low. They feel as though their ideal jobs are impossible to achieve, sadly they often rationalise their perceived rejection due to their age, race, accent, and even surname.
I see my role as a coach to build confidence, equip candidates with techniques that empower, inspire and celebrate their achievements. I feel my approaches are revolutionary because I use the CV writing and interview preparation stage as a means to celebrate career journeys up to the present day by;
- Connecting my clients to their most raw, fearless and confident self
- Unveiling their personal brand by guiding them to turn their values and ambitions into a visual Pinterest board, assigning themselves an alter ego name that helps them embody their true self. I then weave this personal brand into their CV so that their unique stamp is clear to see, while providing the confidence to talk ‘on brand’ in their interview
- Spending time revisiting experience through an increased ‘self aware lense’ to reflect and honour their successes
- Turning experience into tangible impact, using the process to refine their perspectives so that they’re able to articulate how they approach and think about the core competencies of the job roles that they’re applying for
- After this unveiling and enlightening process, my clients are ready to learn my Interview Story Impression Technique*
On my reviews page you will see why so many have talked about authenticity, confidence and alignment – in addition to the success they have had in actually being offered their dream job positions;
- “This mentorship felt supportive and a transformative process”
- “Judy took the time to get to know me and then she took a personalised approach to teaching me how to tell my story authentically utilising her winning interview techniques”
- “I learnt that I am stronger then I give myself credit for”
- “Imagine someone investing the time to find out your true passions, strengths and ambitions – packing them all up in a powerful brand that represent the ‘CEO of ME’ and then championing you into achieving your goals! This is the effect Judy has as a mentor!”
*I feel my Interview Story Impression Technique is a game changer, because the STAR technique sells so many short at interview, due to the rigid structure, which isn’t great for anyone lacking confidence or in selling themselves. My technique has 2 parts to it – What to do before and after answering, including answering with a bold confident statement, starting with the result, setting the scene, then talking through the key milestones that led to the result, finally ending with the ‘So What’ for the employer.
My clients feel they are able to manage any interview question and scenario more naturally, confidently, strategically and impressively.
Client Reviews – https://judybullimore.co.uk/reviews/
Interview Technique – https://judybullimore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Judys-Interview-Story-Impression-Technique.pdf
Wish me luck!
Why The Interview STAR Technique Isn’t Fit For Purpose In 2021
The STAR technique is by far the most popular interview technique advised by recruiters and employers.
Standing for S-Situation, T-Task, A-Action, R-Result, this structure is put forward as the format in which to answer competency based interview questions such as “Tell me about a time when you have delivered excellent customer service, solved a problem, delivered a successful project” etc etc.
The advantages of the technique put forward are that;
- It provides a simple structure that candidates can follow.
- The structure forces the candidate to explain HOW they approached the scenario and how their actions impacted the outcome, therefore providing more detail for the interviewer to make a final decision.
- It helps PROVE how suitable candidates are, due to the emphasis on the results achieved.
- The structure helps minimize overly lengthy answers, thus enabling interviews to run efficiently.
There are many types of interview question formats, from open, closed, hypothetical and test questioning to name a few, however the choice of using competency based questioning is the most effective format to understand how candidates think, how they approach specific tasks and whether their approaches are successful.
Depending on the examples candidates choose, how impressive the results are and how well they bring the scenario to life, will dictate how suited the interviewer will feel they are for the position. As a result, there is as much expectation on the interview performance and overall delivery, as there is on the examples presented, because the interviewer will also be checking that candidates have the temperament, personality and presence that they feel is required to stand out as the ideal person for the position.
With this in mind, the STAR technique works well for the interviewer, but how well does it work for the candidate?
While the technique provides an easy structure to follow, at best it helps the candidate understand HOW to answer the question and encourages them to prove the impact they might have had. However how well this comes across at interview, depends on the following questions that an interviewer will be considering;
- How well does the example/ scenario fit the question asked?
- How impressive was the result?
- How confidently does the candidate talk about their skills and abilities?
- Does the candidate’s personality and temperament shine through?
- Does the candidate seem like a right ‘fit’?
- Does the candidate come across genuine or as though the answers are overly rehearsed?
Given how competitive the job application process is at present, and the fact that interviewers are aware that they can technically search for the ‘perfect’ candidate depending how clear they are on their criteria, the strongest chance candidates have to STAND OUT and prove that they’re the best person for the job is to have a technique that;
- Shows confidence.
- Helps candidates understand the question so they can choose the most impressive and suitable example.
- Encourages candidates to talk authentically, genuinely and naturally.
- Has a structure that enables examples to be brought to life, for a more memorable delivery.
- Conveys passion and alignment to the position.
- Promotes personality and likability.
- Demonstrates unique selling points that only the candidate could bring to the role, as opposed to their competition.
The STAR technique doesn’t guarantee any of the above because it only provides the structure to answer the question. In fact, the technique runs a large risk of blocking the possibility for candidates to sell themselves because;
- For many it is too structured – forcing candidates to box in their answers, or fit their examples into a rigid structure.
- Candidates can rely on it too heavily, which means they may sound robotic or overly rehearsed.
- It only allows for one example to be talked about, however it may show impressiveness and greater impact to add in more than one scenario/ example.
- Talking in such a structured way may increase nerves and sabotage delivery because the candidate maybe preoccupied with the structure rather than simply bringing their experience to life.
- Not all interview questions will be competency based, most interviews will include a ‘Why or What’ question, such as “Why do you feel we should choose you for the position? Or “What made you apply for this role?” so the technique itself doesn’t fully equip job seekers for the range of questions they may be asked.
- The structure doesn’t include any prompts for showing confidence, passion or personality.
To properly equip, prepare and position interviewees for success, there needs to be a technique that provides a format that not only explains HOW to answer questions, but also truly enables them to SELL their skills, attributes and experience, in a way that dazzles the interviewer, as opposed to ‘adequately’ answering the question.
Based on the STAR technique, even if the candidate were to follow the format stating the situation, task, action and result, this wouldn’t be enough on it’s own to prove how well suited a candidate is for the role, especially if every other candidate was using the exact same technique, therefore it should be used with caution.
Having worked on a one to one intense and bespoke basis with senior professionals interviewing for their next level positions, I view the negative impact of the STAR technique first hand in that the technique more than often underplays and minimizes the positive impact of an individual’s work experience, personality and potential.
By using The Interview Story Impression Technique, clients talk and present significantly more confidently, authentically, passionately and impressively, because the technique encompasses;
- How to choose the right example.
- How to meet the interviewers/ employers needs and expectations.
- How to structure in confidence, passion and personality.
- How to bring examples to life.
- How to leave a positive lasting impression.
Given the impact of the pandemic on employment trends, the need for tools and techniques that fully equip job seekers to remain confident, resilient and successful in the job application process is paramount, hence the need to encourage an honest assessment of how fit for purpose the STAR technique is for 2021 and beyond.
For a detailed video breakdown of my perspective on the pros and cons of the STAR Technique, watch here;
For further details on The Interview Story Impression Technique view here;
https://judybullimore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/THE-INTERVIEW-STORY-IMPRESSION-TECHNIQUE.pdf
When I Was Rejected At Interview
I remember the time that I was rejected at interview.
I had applied for a job that I thought was my dream job. I felt so confident about it because when I read the person specification I KNEW I could do it and would enjoy it. I hadn’t planned for it to be full time, but I was drawn to it so much I was willing to make an exception.
I researched the company, practiced talking about my experience with my sister and felt a mixture of nervousness, excitement and worry on the day.
I was wearing my brand new shoes and interview outfit, and remember trying to avoid my little daughter’s sticky fingers all morning!
I walked into the interview and gave it my all, the best I had. There were two interviewers, one I felt really ‘got me’ and liked me, but the other, she didn’t smile once, I got the impression that she was threatened, because I went in with the strategy of “show em what I can do and don’t underplay”!
I came out of the interview feeling proud for getting through it. Relief that it was over and hope that I did enough.
The wait was excruciating! They had said that I would hear by the end of the week, it was Tuesday. It got to around Thursday and I had so much doubt, “If I had it, surely they would have told me by now” I said to myself. I tried to keep busy and not think about it – but it felt impossible.
It got to Friday around 4pm and I still heard nothing, my hope had almost evaporated except for one faint wisp of reasoning that “maybe they are leaving it till Monday, perhaps they are still making final decisions”. At this point my levels of annoyance and frustration were creeping up that I’d have to face the whole weekend not knowing; all while people asking me “have you heard yet!”
I was washing the pots at home when I got the call, a number I didn’t recognise. My heart was beating so fast. It started off positive, I was actually smiling, “You interviewed really well, you clearly have the experience and you came across really passionate ….. It was such a difficult decision but we offered it to another candidate, it was really close”.
The confirmation of not getting the position at this point didn’t come as a surprise but it hit me hard that the process of putting yourself out there, remaining ambitious and feeling hopeful was a cruel and heartless game.
I had a good chat with my sister that day, and it was after that I had a proper reflection; I had got shortlisted for a job that had many applicants, it was between me and someone else, which is pretty good going, the job was full time – I don’t really want a full time role, the process reminded me that I do want a fulfilling job and a career, and I don’t know how much truth there was to the explanation for not getting the job, my instincts told me the other person on the panel felt threatened by me.This learning spurred me to choose roles that I was more aligned to and to not compromise who I am at interview to please others.
The only thing you can do at interview is put your best foot forward, do yourself justice and match your relevant skills, experience, passion for the role and overall core offer to the employers needs and expectations. I did get my dream job shortly after this experience, but I know that my interview performance is strong. The chances of claiming the job you deserve at interview is less likely if you aren’t interviewing well. This experience could have sabotaged future applications and interviews because it did affect me emotionally.
Having a supportive community and a soundboard for what you can do to protect your confidence and resilience through the job application process is crucial, hence why I set up my two Facebook groups, The CV Success Academy and The Confident Woman’s Academy For Job Interview Success, why I have the free interview training that I do, the reason why I created The Interview Story Impression Technique and why I provide job application and interview success packages tailored to your personal career goals.
You CAN do it, and I’m here to help you if you feel ready, Follow, DM or check me out HERE, www.judybullimore.com
Judy xx
The 5 Things Your CV Needs In Equal Measure
The standards for what your CV, cover letter or application form needs to include are set so high at the moment. Simply having the skills and experience isn’t enough to stand out from everyone else who also has similar skills and experience. That’s why ALL your application documents need to have these 5 points in EQUAL measure to truly stand out and increase your chances of being shortlisted;
1 – PASSION
A lot of applicants make the mistake on keeping their CV and application documents strictly factual listing mainly their skills and experience to do the job.The thing is, recruiters/ employers are sifting through application documents from candidates with very similar skills and experience, and ultimately they need to decipher which ones seem like the closest ‘fit’ or most deserving of the role. A way to convey this, is to show your passion!
Passion can be demonstrated in various ways;
– Passion for the JOB,
– Passion for the EMPLOYER.
– Passion for the ORGANISATIONAL vision.
It might only need to be a sentence or a paragraph that packs a punch of passion, but it helps to provide more insight into your unique contribution to the role.
2 – PERSONALITY
The strongest and most memorable application documents have a strong injection of PERSONALITY. With so much competition for job roles right now, a crucial thing to avoid is to appear the same as everyone else.What’s the one thing you have that know one else has? Your unique and one of a kind PERSONALITY!
A CV, application form or cover letter lacking in personality reads as generic and flat. By injecting your unique personality traits this naturally changes the tone and the overall feel of the document which in turn makes it more striking and engaging to read.
The strongest CV’s and applications leave a memorable positive impression leaving the recruiter intrigued to find out more.
3 – EXPERT STATUS
A major reason why candidates aren’t shortlisted for positions, is because they’re unclear of their “Expert Status” and their CV and application documents do not package and position them as an authority in their sector.
Expert Status is something that you’re not just good at, you’re KNOWN FOR doing exceptionally well. It’s the thing that you have a NATURAL flare for, something that uses the gifts that you were born with. It’s the thing that you can talk with true authority in and that you have developed your own unique structure or approach to.
4 – EVIDENCE
The art of a strong application is to make it appear to the employer that you have everything they need; the passion, personality, expertise and tangible PROOF that you can do the job. This takes the form of impressively strong examples.
Time and time again applications underplay achievements because they simply bullet point tasks and generic duties that would be likely any person who held a similar role could list. The most impressive application documents have examples of successes that STAND OUT and create a enough intrigue to make the person shortlisting intrigued and confident to put forward for interview.
5 – PRESENTATION
First impressions count just as much at application as at interview.It’s all well and good having the impressive examples to showcase, but this can be all undermined by poor presentation. Common mistakes in the design include;
– Appearing too wordy.
– Too busy.
– Too long.
– Reading generic, overly factual or dull.
– Relevant experience and achievements featured too far down the page, or not on the first page.
– Amateur looking CV’s.
– Not suiting the sector or level of position.
On the flip-side, CV’s could be perfectly presented, but have no substance upon reading, also, it’s important to watch out for ATS tracking systems. Simpler can be effective but word placement, tone and layout must be balanced.
By incorporating these 5 things in EQUAL measure within each job application or CV that you amend, you will have the STRONGEST chance of getting shortlisted for the jobs that you deserve.
What The Interviewers EXPECT But Don’t Tell You!
Here is an honest guide on what interviewers REALLY think, but DIDN’T request in the invitation to interview.
1 – BE GENUINE
Interviewers expect for you to sell yourself, so in an interview you have a free pass to ‘sing your praises’ without judgment. However, the employer doesn’t want to risk their investment on someone who can’t deliver or is pretending they can deliver when they can’t.
Being GENUINE and your WONDERFUL SELF creates warmth and likability and most importantly CONNECTION. So in your next interview give yourself permission to be genuinely and authentically yourself!
2 – SELL YOUR EXPERTISE
You would have thought this is a given, that one would go to interview and showcase their suitability and evidence that they’re the best person for the job, however, UNDERSELLING expertise features very highly as a key reason why people lose out on job offers. In many cases candidates choose weak, unimpressive examples, or they talk about strong examples in a way that comes across unimpressive or flat.
To avoid this, having STRONG interview examples are of the utmost importance, so what makes a strong example?
– They have clear, impressive, TANGIBLE results.
– They showcase the BEST version of you at work, at the very TOP of your potential
– They are described as a CELEBRATION of your achievements, with a clear journey of HOW you achieved the result.
3 – BE IMPRESSIVE!
The interviewer could be scheduled to conduct interviews back to back all day. The last thing anyone wants is for the interviewer to be zoning out on when their lunch is, or subtly che
cking their watch because they’re bored and disconnected to the candidate before them. They WAN’T you to give them a performance, to grab this opportunity with both hands, they’re only going to give the job to the candidate they feel is most WORTHY, so appearing impressive is important.
A way to do yourself justice at interview is to change your whole approach towards them ….
Think back to when you have sat through the most dull and forgettable presentation. Now switch this and think of the most engaging, refreshing and memorable presentations. What was it that sticks in your mind? Did the presenter have a special something? … Personality, passion, conviction in their message perhaps?
An interview is very similar. It’s just like presenting on the topic that is YOU, but rather than relying on ‘slides’ you rely on the confidence in your abilities to bring the bullet points of your achievements, skills and successes to life!
4 – BRING YOUR PERSONALITY WITH YOU!
It’s a really common assumption to focus on your professional achievements for the purpose of an interview, and stick strictly to work experience and relevant skills for the job. BUT, the job of the interviewer is to work out the best candidate for their position and they’re not going to be able to do this without working out what the person is REALLY about.
The employer would have attempted to state the “type” of person that they’re looking for, so assuming you are already aligned to the role, you have permission to demonstrate these traits at interview.
It is difficult to showcase personality, if you don’t know your PERSONAL BRAND, but like marketing and promoting a product, it’s important the interviewer can FEEL what you represent, what offer you bring and why they should “buy” into you. Having inner confidence in the authentic version of yourself will really help to achieve this, as will dialing up your personality to 100%.
5 – THEY’RE NOT BOTHERED ABOUT HOW YOU ANSWER THE QUESTION!
So many people have gone into an interview with the strong examples, the personality, the confidence and the performance but thought that they HAD to answer the question in a certain way, such as using the STAR interview technique where they describe the Situation, Task, Action and Result. This is an outdated assumption and needs to be updated, in that the interviewer isn’t concerned about the order of the answer, they just want the candidate to answer the question in FULL, in a way that clearly demonstrates what the candidate achieved and how they did it, while being impressed, engaged and connected.
The interview technique that you choose is the MEANS that will enable you to communicate everything that the employer wants to see, feel and hear at interview, as well as enabling you to showcase all your skills, attributes personality and passion for the role. So the question that you need to ask yourself is …..
Does the technique I use currently enable me to;
– Talk naturally and authentically?
– Bring my examples to life?
– Showcase expert status, personal brand and the a clear offer for the employer?
– Sound and look impressive?
If the answer is “no” in any of these areas, your technique could be sabotaging your interviews, so choose one that works for YOU such as my INTERVIEW STORY IMPRESSION TECHNIQUE .
Check out the interview training tab for more details.
Judy x
How To Stay Resilient, Motivated & Confident During The Job Application Process …. When I Was Rejected At Interview
There’s nothing worse than the feeling of rejection at application or interview. If not recognised and managed, it can have really damaging effects that can sabotage future chances of getting the jobs that you deserve. It can appear in many guises such as;
– Forcing you to a
falsely conclude that there’s no point in “getting your hopes up” for the jobs you want.
– Fueling limiting beliefs that have the power to talk you OUT of future positions that you CAN do.
– Affecting the words that are used to talk about yourself within your CV and application documents, which appear LESS impressive than you really are.
– Presenting as nerves, and self doubt at interview.
– Damaging interview performance by playing down your successes and preventing you from as appearing as the confident, capable, unique individual that you ARE!
There IS a way to combat all of this, and that is to;
– Recognise when it’s happening.
– Take control by creating a routine that keeps you in what I call ….
THE JOB & INTERVIEW POWER ZONE!
Everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another, but in this list below is a range of positive, practical and proactive things to build yourself a routine that not only keeps you motivated and in the most successful mindset for applying for jobs, but very importantly protects you from the negative impacts of not having the resilience, motivation and confidence that’s needed to see you through right through to the job offer.
MIX & MATCH A ROUTINE FOR YOURSELF USING THIS LIST (AIM FOR AROUND 2 PER DAY)
– Gratitude – write down or have a think of what you’re truly grateful for.
– Visualise the interview going well – Imagine nodding heads and smiling faces, how you will feel when you know it’s going well, or when you leave and feel so proud at having a fantastic interview!
– Visualise yourself in the job role – What would you be wearing? What can you see? Imagine what you would do on your first day or week.
– Set simple goals for the day – Tick off achievements for the day.
– Create a playlist – One that puts you in a good mood, one that taps you into your alter ego or the best version of yourself.
– Journalling – write down your thoughts and feelings
– Creating a visual board – Including goals, pictures and words of inspiration. Immerse yourself in it and allow yourself to visualise it all being true.
– Find a motto that you can keep telling yourself, or stick postets around the house – Mine is I can, I will, I must. What’s yours?
– Build into your day things that make you truly happy – Cooking, chilling, reading, pampering, chatting to friends – whatever it is, do more of it!
– Read or listen to something inspirational – Even if it’s a page or two, a bit of a podcast, a chapter of an audio book.
– Have a policy where you only surround yourself with positive people right now.
– Eat well, get fresh air and exercise.
– Meditate.
– Look at your elevator pitch – Say it out loud until it feels part of you.
OTHER STEPS YOU COULD TAKE WITH ME BY YOUR SIDE;
– You could book a call with me so we can review and chat through your existing application documents and your interview technique.
– Join my motivating Facebook Groups and join me for Monday Motivation.
– Watch my FREE interview training.
You CAN get the job you want or need right now, but it is important that you have a positive mindset throughout.
Sending you positivity and success!
Judy x
