I don't know anything about the fashion industry. I wouldn't be able to tell you if Ugg boots are in or out. Honestly, I probably wouldn't be able to pick out Ugg boots from a boot lineup. The only thing I do know about the fashion industry is that trends change quickly, and the same is true for job searching.
What worked on your resume last year isn't guaranteed to work this year. Why? Well, if you think about it, the people who decide on the next fashion trends are similar to the people who decide to hire you. They see the same thing 40+ hours per week, and they get bored with it. But every six months or so, something new catches their eye, and that's what the new trend is. Six months later, that new trend is now old and boring, and they're looking for something new. Wash, rinse, repeat.
That's why it's so important to stay on top of the new job searching trends. Walking into a job interview with a resume format from five years ago is like showing up to a first date wearing (insert some fashion trend here that went out of style five years ago. I don't know; Crocs? I told you, I don't know anything about fashion). Below is an article about antiquated job searching trends in 2014. Don't stop there. Read as many articles as you can so that you'll stand out in your next interview!
http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2014/01/29/5-more-obsolete-job-search-tips-to-avoid-in-2014/
As a job seeker, sometimes you're given conflicting advice. (Okay, it might be more often than “sometimes”.) I frequently hear that job seekers who lack confidence should “fake it till they make it” in a job interview. This article (http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/interviewing-fake-it-till-you-can-make-it/) suggests that no matter how qualified you are, if you don’t come across as self-assured and confident within the first 60 seconds of your interview, then there’s a devastatingly large chance that you’ll be thrown out as a candidate.
However, I also often hear that job seekers should “be themselves” during a job interview. This article (http://www.experiencefactor.com/job-interview-tips-for-colorado-job-seekers-be-yourself/) encourages job seekers to be honest about nerves if the subject comes up, and this article (http://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-do-if-youre-nervous-in-an-interview-2013-11) suggests that candidates admit upfront to being nervous at the beginning of the interview. According to these articles, admitting nervousness shows employers that you’re approachable and relatable, which makes you seem easier to work with.
Well…which is it? The idea of being yourself might naturally conflict with the idea of faking confidence. If both methods have positive research results backing them up, which one should you do? Should you start practicing your best smarmy Matthew Macconaughey smile, or should you be prepared to lightheartedly point out your nervous sweat marks after you shake the interviewer’s hand?
The answer depends on you. Some people can fake confidence really well, and other people have a natural charm to them when they play up their tenseness. Basically, if you know that you can’t fake confidence, it’s inadvisable to do so. A good interviewer isn’t going to fall for false confidence from a person with clammy hands and back sweat. In that situation, it’s best to just be honest. You can then set goals for yourself to slowly become more confident with each interview, until you don’t have to worry about faking it anymore.
Post a comment if you feel strongly about either option!