Staying positive IS the biggest hurtle, job hunting is one of the most stressful things in life (right up there w/death of a family member or divorce). It is really difficult to find ways to keep making the effort and feeling upbeat (because as you said: you'll do better in the interview if you are confident and not desperate).
I loved that you mentioned about not lying, I had read that and of course I totally agree w/it, but I did hedge in one interview. I was applying at the Judiciary committee during the Reagan years when the Republicans were in control of the Senate, and I was asked point blank my position on abortion! So I just very casually said: "Well I am a Roman Catholic..." and let him draw his own conclusions. It turned out his question was not a reflection of the Chief Council (who did my second interview and was disturbed that I was even asked that question... I think he put a stop to letting that first guy do job interviews!) or the Committee Chairman.
Oh and you are SO right about not talking about your vacation/holiday time in the interview! I worked in the personnel office at one company and I have to say that that is a big turn off, but it is easy to arrange that after they offer the job because then they don't want to reopen the listing, they want to keep you.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 05:37 am (UTC)I loved that you mentioned about not lying, I had read that and of course I totally agree w/it, but I did hedge in one interview. I was applying at the Judiciary committee during the Reagan years when the Republicans were in control of the Senate, and I was asked point blank my position on abortion!
So I just very casually said: "Well I am a Roman Catholic..."
and let him draw his own conclusions. It turned out his question was not a reflection of the Chief Council (who did my second interview and was disturbed that I was even asked that question... I think he put a stop to letting that first guy do job interviews!) or the Committee Chairman.
Oh and you are SO right about not talking about your vacation/holiday time in the interview! I worked in the personnel office at one company and I have to say that that is a big turn off, but it is easy to arrange that after they offer the job because then they don't want to reopen the listing, they want to keep you.
Anyway, I really loved your list.