Why #Coding Won’t Get You Hired Anymore – Google Insider Reveals @kelsey.hightower

Summary

In this insightful interview, Kelsey shares valuable advice on building confidence in career growth and job interviews. Rather than pretending to know everything, she encourages embracing challenges with confidence, asking the right questions, and learning in real-time. Her emphasis on being authentic, showing initiative, and taking risks resonated with the audience. The conversation highlights how confidence and adaptability are key in navigating career transitions, especially in an ever-evolving job market. Kelsey reminds listeners to proactively build their own path and not wait for opportunities to come.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confidence is key: Being confident in yourself, without being arrogant, is vital for career growth and job success.
• 😀 Build your own path: Don’t wait for opportunities to find you. Start building something on your own to prove your abilities.
• 😀 Self-belief is important: Having confidence that if given a chance, you will prove to be an asset to the team.
• 😀 Problem-solving matters: In interviews, focus on your approach to solving problems rather than just getting the right answer.
• 😀 Don't fear looking foolish: Confidence comes from being willing to try, even if you don’t have all the answers upfront.
• 😀 Ask for feedback: When tackling challenges, asking questions and getting feedback is crucial to learning and growing.
• 😀 Real-time learning is valuable: Show how you handle challenges in real-time by thinking critically and adjusting your approach.
• 😀 Adaptability is important: Be ready to adapt to new situations and demonstrate your ability to learn and evolve.
• 😀 Arrogance is not the goal: Confidence should not be confused with arrogance; the balance between the two is key.
• 😀 Take ownership of your growth: Don’t just wait for a job or a promotion, take control and prove your potential through actions.

Q & A

What advice does Kelsey offer for people feeling uncertain about switching careers or entering a new job field?

Kelsey suggests that people should not focus on their lack of experience but rather highlight their passion and willingness to learn. Confidence and belief in one's ability to adapt are crucial, as employers value a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

How can someone with no prior experience in a field effectively approach an interview?

Kelsey advises that individuals should be confident in their skills, even if they don't have direct experience. Being honest about what you don't know and showing a willingness to learn can demonstrate growth potential. Asking insightful questions during the interview also helps to show a proactive attitude.

What role does confidence play in securing a job, according to Kelsey?

Confidence plays a key role in making a strong impression during an interview. It's not about being arrogant but about showing belief in yourself and your ability to add value to the team. Confidence helps you stay composed when facing challenges and when discussing topics you're unsure about.

Why does Kelsey emphasize the importance of asking follow-up questions during an interview?

Kelsey believes that asking follow-up questions demonstrates a candidate's willingness to engage, learn, and problem-solve. It shows that you're thinking critically and are not afraid to tackle challenges, which is highly valued by employers.

How can someone demonstrate their problem-solving abilities during an interview when faced with a question they don't know the answer to?

When faced with an unknown question, Kelsey suggests being open about not knowing the answer but showing a willingness to work through it. Using a whiteboard or asking for clarification to approach the problem step by step demonstrates your problem-solving skills.

What can job seekers do to improve their chances of standing out, even without direct experience in the field?

Job seekers should focus on showing their passion, drive, and ability to learn. Kelsey suggests working on personal projects or building a portfolio that showcases your skills, as this can prove your potential more effectively than just listing experiences on a resume.

How can one maintain confidence during a job search, especially when facing rejections?

Maintaining confidence involves not letting setbacks affect your self-worth. Kelsey encourages staying persistent, focusing on your strengths, and continuing to learn and improve. Rejection is a part of the process, and confidence comes from the belief that you will eventually succeed.

What mindset shift is necessary for individuals to succeed in today's evolving job market?

Kelsey emphasizes that individuals should adopt a growth mindset. Rather than waiting for opportunities, they should take initiative, build their skills, and prove their capabilities through projects. Evolving and adapting are key to success in today's job market.

Why does Kelsey highlight the importance of learning in real-time during an interview?

Kelsey points out that learning in real-time during an interview shows a candidate’s ability to handle challenges on the spot. It reflects how someone would perform under pressure, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to grow in a dynamic environment.

What does Kelsey mean by the statement 'Don't wait for a job to grow. Build something, prove it, and evolve'?

Kelsey is encouraging individuals to take ownership of their career growth by creating and showcasing tangible proof of their skills. Rather than waiting for a traditional job opportunity, building projects, learning through experience, and continuously evolving will open more doors in the long term.