Nepali Times

Hi everyone,

In most jobs employers are looking for someone who works well with others, and can achieve goals. The ideal candidates have problem-solving abilities, experience and skills, and achievements to make themselves stand out from the crowd. You just have to ‘sell yourself’ by focusing on your strengths, and being honest about your weaknesses and show how you are improving yourself. An ideal is to find out what you like to do, and get someone to pay you for doing it. Job interviews are like first dates. Good impressions count. Awkwardness can occur. Outcomes are unpredictable.

(Then there is nepotism.) Do email me your questions to askanjanaanything@nepalitimes.com

Dear Anjana,

I have been looking for a new job and gone on a lot of interviews but have not been hired. I feel like I come across as a confident professional, although occasionally I ramble on too long in my answers, which I’m working on. Going on interview after interview but never getting hired is starting to damage my self esteem. Do you have any advice on how to nail the interview and get the job offer, and also how to keep my confidence up while hunting for work?

Rachel

AR: First of all I would like to congratulate you for getting selected for interviews because in this competitive world, even getting an interview is a big deal. Interviews are not natural so it helps to practice answering typical interview questions. Rambling is the most common interview blunder because either people get nervous or they like to hear what they are saying instead of answering the question. Be mindful to be concise, listen to the whole question carefully before answering. Think before you answer.

It’s smart to research the company and the employer so you can ask the right questions and that also shows you have done your homework. Make sure to bring your portfolio, extra copies of resume, a pen and notebook to take notes. Get there a few minutes early. Breathe and stay calm. Always helps to make good eye contact, don’t stare, and listen.

You are trying to stand out from the mob for the same position, so try to relate the job to your accomplishments. Keep your answers short and to the point. Have faith in yourself, take every interview that did not work out as a practice towards your dream job. Remind yourself that not acing an interview is not an indication of your career or self-worth. Practice, practice, practice. Never give up on yourself. Be assertive: not overconfident or too modest.

At last, follow up by sending a thank you note or email to the potential employer or interviewer within 24 hours and include anything important (but briefly) that you may have forgotten during the interview. Do the best you can and the rest is up to luck and fate. Good luck.   Anjana Rajbhandary is a certified mental health rehabilitation technician and has four years of experience in adult mental health.

@AnjyRajy