Mastering the Art of the Interview | Ashley Rizzotto | TEDxNSU

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on the importance of self-awareness and preparation in the job interview process. She shares her own experiences, including a job that led to burnout due to misaligned expectations. The speaker then outlines three key strategies for job seekers: identifying non-negotiables, recognizing personal strengths, and finding alignment through research. By advocating for one's needs and aligning them with job opportunities, the speaker encourages listeners to find fulfilling careers that value their unique contributions.

Takeaways

• 😌 The most crucial part of an interview is the preparation beforehand, not just the performance during it.
• 🎯 Reflecting on past interviews can help identify what made them successful or where they went wrong.
• 🔥 The excitement of a job offer can overshadow the importance of aligning the job with personal needs and happiness.
• 🤔 It's essential to identify non-negotiables—factors that are absolutely necessary for job satisfaction and well-being.
• 🏞 Tuning into personal preferences for work style and environment can reveal non-negotiables that impact job happiness.
• 💡 Knowing one's strengths is fundamental to advocating for what is needed in a job to utilize those strengths effectively.
• 🗣️ Reflect on compliments and how others perceive your strengths to identify areas of natural proficiency.
• 🔍 Research is key to finding alignment between personal non-negotiables and the opportunities available in the job market.
• 🗂️ Use research to gather information about desired jobs and compare them with personal non-negotiables to find the best fit.
• 💼 Be prepared to advocate for your non-negotiables during interviews to ensure they are met in the job.
• 🌟 Confidence in knowing and advocating for one's non-negotiables and strengths can lead to a successful and fulfilling career.

Q & A

What is the most important part of the interview process according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that the most important part of the interview process is the preparation for it, which includes understanding one's non-negotiables, strengths, and doing research to find alignment with job opportunities.

Why did the speaker feel excited for their first big interview?

The speaker felt excited because they had idolized the job after watching and learning from their college mentors, and they had prepared extensively for the interview, including researching the company and rehearsing their responses.

What was the outcome of the speaker's first job after the interview?

The speaker received the job offer and initially felt successful, but eventually, they experienced burnout due to being micromanaged, overwhelmed, and lacking a boundary between work and personal life.

What did the speaker realize after leaving their first job?

The speaker realized that they had not advocated for what they needed to be happy and that the idea of the job was more important to them than the actual work and environment.

What are the three strategies the speaker teaches to avoid making the same mistakes in job interviews?

The three strategies are: knowing your non-negotiables, identifying your strengths, and finding alignment through research.

How does the speaker suggest finding one's non-negotiables?

The speaker suggests tuning in to the activities and surroundings that bring joy and are necessary for well-being, both within and outside of the job.

What is the significance of knowing one's strengths according to the speaker?

Knowing one's strengths is significant because it forms the foundation for advocating for what one needs in their non-negotiables and helps in finding a career that aligns with one's natural abilities.

How did the speaker's experience with criticism and logistics during the interview impact their first job?

The speaker's experience impacted their first job by leading them to overstate their abilities in those areas during the interview, which did not align with their actual preferences and strengths, contributing to their dissatisfaction.

What does the speaker recommend doing to find alignment with job opportunities?

The speaker recommends conducting research about job opportunities, talking to professionals, networking, and testing out new responsibilities to find alignment with one's internal needs and the external job market.

How did the speaker apply their own advice during their interview for the current role as a career advisor?

The speaker applied their advice by advocating for a work environment that aligns with their non-negotiables, being honest about their strengths and weaknesses, and ensuring that the job would utilize their strengths.

What was the speaker's reaction when they received the job offer for their current role?

The speaker felt a strong sense of alignment and validation when they received the job offer, as the offer emphasized the same non-negotiables they had discussed during the interview, indicating a mutual understanding and value of their needs.