WASHINGTON, DC - Some people don't like President Obama's friend and FOX News commentator, Dana Perino. That's a shame. She's really smart, and she has a very teachable point of view on new media and politics. Just because she's on the right doesn't mean she's not good at what she does. James Carville is an example of a brilliant guy on the left. Good people can be seen on both sides of today's political issues.
But nevermind. This post isn't about politics. There's nothing political about what you'll see below. This post is about job interviews.
As I was flipping around YouTube tonight, I stumbled across the following video. And I thought to myself, "What if Dana Perino were a candidate in a job interview?"
Imagine that. Just for a couple moments, divorce yourself from any personal feelings you may have about Ms. Perino. Now, listen to the interviewer's questions, and listen to Ms. Perino's answers.
Watch her eye contact ... Watch her breathing ... Watch how she carries her shoulders ... Listen to her logic as first she answers the interviewer's questions, and then personably volunteers her own brief perspective on each issue. She's being helpful without being a know it all. And the interviewer can tell that Ms. Perino has incredibly deep knowledge in the areas of online PR, media, and crisis management (which are her areas of expertise).
This, to me, is what a highly monetize-able candidate should look and sound like. This is the ideal. Personable, helpful, and highly expert. Strategically aware. Able to see ahead clearly, and eager to posit her vision in a helpful way.
What are YOUR areas of expertise? Why should someone hire YOU??Frankly, if I were a job candidate today, I would spend a great deal of time reading high-quality weblogs in my professional field. I would also download an iPhone app with standard, open-ended job interview questions presented in the form of electronic flashcards.
Then I would rehearse ... and rehearse ... and rehearse ... and rehearse.
You can make the in-person interview your comfort zone -- but to do that, you gotta drill, drill, drill. I used to be a professional musician. Trust me: An important job interview is no different than a big gig. You gotta make being great your TOP priority right this instant. You must decide today to become smart and fluent in your professional language. Otherwise, you're just gonna end up with what the rest of the world wants you to have. Which ain't much.
To get a job today, you have to know your stuff. There's really no way around it. There are no second place finishers in a job interview. Dana Perino knows her stuff. See for yourself. Why not be this good?
