What every job seeker can learn from Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is campaigning for a new job.  It may not match the job for which you seek, but it is a new job.  And as many people,  she is in a job while trying to land the new job.  Job seekers can learn a good deal by watching her.  What you can learn is not based on gender or political party. Here are just some of them:

1) Prepare.  She has positioned herself in jobs and even volunteer roles to be ready for the new position and be visible for those who may be seeking someone like her.  She also prepared for the interview with Charlie Gibson as well as her speech at the convention.  Preparation really aids confidence.  

2) Use the name.  This is a great way to connect with your interviewer.  Several times during the recent abcnews interview,  Governor Palin started a sentence or paused  mid-sentence saying "Charlie" while answering questions.  This pause also gives you a chance to pull your thoughts together.

 

3) Understand your own values and principles.  Governor Palin could answer because she remembered the "why" of the decision, not the timing or memorizing the answer.  When your values or moral compass are your guiding points, you will be consistent in your answers.  Your passion for what you believe in will shine through.  If you are asked about teamwork in an interview, give the example requested but tell why (if you are) adamant about teamwork.    If it is part of your core then your responses will reflect that; just as if it is not-you will stumble.  You will stumble when you try to memorize answers

 

4) Don't get defensive.  Values come into play here as well.  If you know why you made the decision, the specifics are not the key. If you don't think the questions should be asked, explain your why.   Be assertive in your answers but respectful in your tone and you will go a long ways in establishing yourself as a leader.  Follow the lead of the interviewer with the questions.  Make your points within the questions.  This is not a time to come out with a "I want you to know this.."attitude.  People get hired for skills and fired for poor communication and relationships.  Be sure your interviewer is left with the positive potential you have, not that you can pass a test.

5) Watch your body language.  Make eye contact, use gestures and remain open with your arms.  Crossed arms do not convey such a meaning.  Looking off or down does not show confidence.  If you are not confident in your abilities why should anyone else be confident?

6) Ask for help.  If you stressed or need help in preparation ask for it.  This is not a time to have "should haves" after the interview.  Pastor Rick Warren has said that the Governor called him for help with Biblical verses which would help with dealing with criticism.  Get your help and support from whomever you need.

7) Ask for clarification.  Don't assume that the word or term you think he/she meant is what IS meant.  Better to ask for the clarification than answer what you think was the question which leads to a stronger follow-up question because you "didn't listen."  It is even worse if you don't get the stronger follow up.  Right or wrong--the interviewer has judged you at that point.

8) Dress comfortably.  This is not the time to wear new contacts.  It is not the time to find a new outfit unless you feel great in it and it looks great on you.  If your dress is uncomfortable then you will show that you are uncomfortable to the interviewer.

9) Follow your gut.  Governor Palin, it has been reported, ad libbed the now famous comparison between hockey moms and pit bulls.  She followed her gut, took a breath and said it. If you are asking yourself the question, should I say this?; then don't.  My friend Bill told me that "you can't un-ring a bell."  Clearly, her gut was saying, this is a great place for one of my favorite jokes.  She felt it and went with it.

10)   Be in the now.  Compartmentalize whatever went on before and what you have going on afterwards.  This is an item the Governor exhibited very well.  On the day the nation mourned, September 11, she sent her son off to Iraq with the Army, then delivered the speech to the troops and the families and then did what was probably one of the biggest interviews of her life. She had energy for all, and was in the role for each.  She did not allow her emotions of the moment overwhelm her or carry  forward to the next task or meeting of the day.  The Governor realized that the interview was with her, but it wasn't about her.  She was there to answer questions for the media and the voters.  Job seekers are in interviews to solve the problem for the corporation-filling the position with the right person.  Go into your interview with that service mind and you will learn more about the culture of the company and they will learn  more about you.

I wrote these as I had coffee this morning.  I hope  it helps you.  Share it with someone and share your thoughts.