My first corporate job interview was for a health care management company that was looking for someone to manage their 30 physician cardiac rehab center. At the time, I was recently divorced with two young children and I was looking for a 9 to 5 job. In my interview, I didn’t talk about my business experience because I had none. I didn’t talk about my resume or skills because my background in education was not relevant. I spoke about my passion for cardiac fitness. (I was an aerobics instructor). I talked about how their mission to help patients transition back to a normal life post cardiac events resonated with me. I shared my personal story about my Dad who had a heart attack in his mid-fifties and how we dramatically changed our lifestyle to accommodate his new exercise and diet regimen. I believed wholeheartedly in what they were doing.
Long story short: I got the job! and a year and a half later I was managing eleven rehab centers for this company up and down the east coast. This was the beginning of a very successful corporate career for me. Though I was not conscious of what I was doing during that interview, I was promoting myself with passion and purpose.
This is a lesson that I share with all my clients and speaking audiences. If you are in a job interview, talking with a potential client or making a sales presentation, it is important to connect with the passion and purpose for what you do. When you are authentic and enthusiastic about your job, your potential job, your product or services, people respond in a positive manner. People want to work with someone who is not only competent but has energy and passion for what they do. Wouldn’t you?
Very good suggestions. Thanks for sharing, Bonnie. One can use this advice personally or when promoting one’s business. So often we’re hesitant to promote ourselves. “Don’t toot your own horn,” my mom used to say. “Don’t brag about yourself.” However, there are ways to promote yourself without seeming “pushy.” Thanks for reminding.
Thank YOU for the positive feedback.