July 2011 – beatredundancyblues

Hello Everyone.

In these tough economic times, it is extremely difficult to get work.

Thinking negatively is no good to anyone and quite frankly won’t get you anywhere fast.

Although it is a harsh thing to say and I am sorry if I have offended anyone, but no one wants to employ someone who looks and sounds depressed. If that’s the state you are in right now, your interviewer will be thinking, what would you be like with the pressures of the job and how will customers or clients relate to you. You can and must ensure you get help. You have choices, you can:

Talk things over with family and friends.
Get help immediately, the sooner you get help, the sooner you will be able to get back into work. Talk to your doctor about referring you to a counsellor and stress how your life is being affected.
If you can afford to pay for private counselling, then do it. Some small local organisations require just a small donation of what you can afford, so research on the internet or ask your doctor.
If you are desperate, you are not alone, looking after yourself should always be your number one priority, phone the samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (UK). Or visit their website http://www.samaritans.org – do not wait, if your need is immediate, take immediate action.

How you come across in an interview will determine if you stand a chance of getting that job, in preference to other people.

If your depression is controllable and you have managed to work in the past, then you may be able to act like you are a positive person in the interview and by acting like it, you will be teaching yourself how to become it.

How to be positive:

Smiling, says you are approachable and friendly.
Talk about your strengths in terms of what you can do to increase company profits, increase productivity and increase efficiency. (A company is only interested in what you can do for it.)
Prepare your weaknesses in advance and have a positive slant prepared for each one. Test these out on your family and friends.
Highlight your skills and experience in specific relation to that particular job. Employers only want to know about skills which will benefit them and their company.
Believe you can do the job and don’t forget to tell them so. This was a mistake made by a lot of my interviewees, they did not say, I am confident I have the skills you require, (backed up with examples.) I can do this job.
Have an answer prepared for why you want the job, based on research about that particular company. Highlight what the benefits would be for you, if you were to work for them. In other words, tell them what you think is good about their company.
When talking, use a positive tone of voice, a slightly high tone is better than a dull tone.
Use positive language and positive comments. Such as, you have a beautiful range of products. I understand your company is performing fantastically. I would love to work for you.
If they ask where you see yourself in the future, ensure you answer it as though you will be with their company for years. For example, in a few years time I would like to be a supervisor for you or a top sales person.
End the interview, with, I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time. I believe it would be a wonderful opportunity to work for you and your company.