The interview

As I am listening to an interview prep, I can't help but think how scary an interview can be.  Nerves can cause us to get up to all sorts of things.  I came across a couple of things that you probably shouldn't do during an interview:

1.  A job applicant challenged the interviewer to an arm wrestle.
2. Candidate announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and chips in the interviewers office.
3. Candidate explained that her long-term goals was to replace the interviewer.
4. Candidate said he never finished high school because he was kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico.
5. Applicant interrupted interview to phone her therapist for advice on how to answer specific interview questions.
6. Applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up.
7. Candidate dozed off during interview.

It would also be best not to ask:

1. "What is it that you people do at this company?"
2. "Why aren't you in a more interesting business?"
3. "Do I have to dress for the next interview?"
4. "I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me?"
5. "Does your company have a policy regarding concealed weapons?"

If you have an interview coming up and are a bit worried that your nerves will get the better of you, contact me.

(Read more on the funny things people did in an interview on http://www.recruitersnetwork.com/jokes/interview.htm)

Here we go!

I can still remember standing on the verge of major changes in my life.  The butterflies in my stomach.  Am I making the right choice?  What will things be like when I take the next step?  As with all things new and different in life, this is the sensation and feeling we get.  A normal feeling.  A feeling that can be mixed with a lot of excitement, if we have a plan in place.

I think two of the major transitions (other than getting married and having children) is leaving school and venturing into the adult world and leaving student life and journeying into the world of work. A very exciting experience, being "all grown up" and independent.  The world is your oyster!

The world can also be your dark, scary alley if you don't have a plan or the tools you need for this journey. What are these tools we need:

1. Self-knowledge
2. A map of the career path you want to follow
3. Career goals
4. Knowledge of the world of work
5. Links between you and the world of work

Be the one who is anxious, but EXCITED! 

If you are struggling to get your tools together, invest in a career coach or counsellor!  This is one investment you can make that has great returns!