Morale Support Please

[fireproof]

OK - there's a higher position open, and that doesn't happen very often (this is only the second time in the 12 years I've been here).  Of course, I've applied for it, and of course, I know I can do the job.  It's not a stretch for me - I have all the necessary experience and qualifications, and I can demonstrate proficiency in all the required skills.  All things being equal, I have the seniority and should get the job.  

Mine is a confidence problem - what if I'm just not the one they want?  How do I stress how much I would enjoy the challenge of a new position without tipping my hand that I'm absolutely stangnant where I'm at?  How do GO FOR IT without being absolutely heart-broken if I don't get it?

I really, really hate this part.

[blufire21]

As far as wanting a challenge I would say something like:

"While I do enjoy what I am doing right now, I feel that I am not challenged enough for the position.  I have become just a tad too comfortable in my duties, and think it is time to step things up a notch."

Ellen (Sending GOOD vibes your way!!!! You Can Do It!" in TX

[raindance]

Dear Fireproof,

I agree with Blufire.  Something along the lines of "I would welcome the opportunity to extend my existing knowledge and skills" should go down well - providing you mean it (LOL).  

As for confidence - that's a difficult one that only you can resolve.  You may assure yourself that you would not have your current job if you could not do it and would not be granted an interview for a higher-level post if your employers did not think you suitable.

Perhaps some people may be surprised by this, but I treat interviews as a sort of game.  Of course, I am disappointed when I have not been selected but, having had to interview people myself, I know that generally speaking you have candidates of roughly the same ability and qualifications.  That said, the final decision often comes down to chemistry: can I face coming into the office and working closely with this person every day?  

Go for it!  

I wish you success.  Let us know how you get on.

Raindance

PS Your "homework" for this week is to stand in front of your mirror and say very slowly three times every day "I am the best thing since before sliced bread".

[bethalize]

We know you can do it and you know that you can do it, so all that remains is to present yourself in a way so that they SEE you can do it AND MORE.
Really heart broken? Or dented ego? Rejection happens to all of us (especially me it seems) but you have to keep on trying and remember that it isn't personal, it's business.

Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[superninjaadmin]

Fireproof,

Everyone has given you great advice.  Try to remove any negative thoughts completely - especially about your current job as well as being heart-broken if you don't get the job you want... You need to go for this with GUSTO!  Do some positive reaffirmation exercises, read some books on positive thinking.  Look for and reach for the brightest star in the sky 'cuz it's yours!    

Remember...you have to sell yourself in a huge way.  Write down all the qualifications and requirements, then match your skills to that.  You already have a proven track record, so have some solid evidence of your accomplishments.  I have some attributes that might help you focus in the right direction (these are measures from my annual performance review):

EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE:
 Quality - work product
 Quantity - delivers on agreed objectives
 Job Knowledge/depth & breath - demonstrates ability to apply knowledge, meets objectives
 Proficiency - applies knowledge, skill and judgement
ACCOUNTABILITY:
 Integrity - Accepts responsibility for own actions & decisions
 Stewardship - contributes to maintaining compliance within scope of responsibility
 Decision-making/Action - Analyzes facts, uses deductive reasoning to reach decisions
DEPENDABILITY & RELIABILITY:
 Productivity - Consistently delivers agreed expectations, goes above and beyond duty when asked
 Meets Job Commitments - performs tasks as assigned
 Attendance and Punctuality - is at work on time as expected, low absenteeism
LEADERSHIP:
 Analytical Ability - Links tacticts to strategy, assesses risks and acts accoringly.
 Adaptability - role models desired behavior and performance
 Development - participates in activities for self-improvement, conducts critical self-assessments for own development
 Initiative - challenges inefficient work processes and recommends improvements
COMMUNICATION:
 Inclusion - values unique contributions from employees
 Cooperation/ Works well with Others - engenderes teamwork, encourages collaboration, resolves disagreements

{{{ lots of positive vibes coming your direction }}}

You - Can - Do - It !!  

From your Northern Neighbor in the Interior...

SNA in AK  (hey!  Enough already!  When is SPRING GONNA GET HERE!!)

[Jackie G]

Your name says it all - how can you lack confidence with a name like that?!

Seriously, all the advice given is sound.

Here's some more.

On the game idea, go in feeling you haven't a care in the world (even though deep down you want it) - sometimes the 'desperation' of wanting a job comes over and it loses you the job at interview stage.

The night before, when you get into bed, imagine yourself already doing the new job - that should boost your confidence.  If you like, try role playing the entire interview the following day with a positive outcome for you of course.

You may want to try this for several nights before, if you have time - this is a powerful mind game from a company called Mindstore to which I belong in Scotland.

Also, when now talking about the job, say 'when' not 'if' - these are all powerful mind tools to help you get what you want - I use them all the time, down to little things like a parking space in town which is seriously crowded and - I always get one!

it sounds like their loss if you don't get it - let us know!

Jackie
www.iqps.org
DeskDemon Forum Board Staff

[countrigal]

Fireproof,
A few of my tools I use to keep positive and calm when going for interviews on promotional positions are what's been listed previously.  Be positive that you'll get the job (tell hubby, friends, everyone, "when" you get the job), remind yourself of your qualifications, and that you're the best thing they'll ever see.

Take some time out the evening before to pamper yourself.  Have a facial, do your nails, your toenails, from head to toe pamper yourself so that when you put on that special powersuit for the interview, you'll feel your absolute best.  Make sure all the accessories and neccesities for the day are laid out, fit, etc so that the next morning won't be rushed or full of surprises (I keep 2 new pairs of hose on hand for just such an occassion).  Get a good night's sleep, reminding yourself that you'll get the job.  Give yourself plenty of time to get ready in the morning, maybe meet a friend/hubby for breakfast before work just to feel a bit more special.  And realise that the worst thing that can happen is you won't get it.  You'll still have your present position and haven't lost anything.  So going for this with gusto is a no lose situation.

Best of Luck!  Let us know how it goes!

CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[phoenix55]

Just remember one thing:  nothing ventured, nothing gained.  You won't lose anything if you don't get the job.  Just be as calm as you can be.  We all suffer disappointment when we don't get that position that we so desperately want.  Don't take it personally.  Having been on both sides of the interview process, let me tell you that sometimes it's not that one person is better than the other; it's just a matter of someone fitting into a position better.  

Good luck.  Walk into the interview knowing you can do the job.

[laundryhater]

"I have all the necessary experience and qualifications, and I can demonstrate proficiency in all the required skills."

You already know you are qualified, now show it on the outside. Show the interviewers how confident you are in yourself.

Smile; give firm, confident handshakes; wear your best business suit; hold your head up high and believe in yourself. If you convince yourself that you are the best one for the job, you can convince the interviewer.

Good luck!  I know you can do it!  I'm sending you my best positive cyber vibes.

[winkiebear]

Have you ever seen the movie "Get Shorty"? It's got John Travolta, Danny DeVito and scores of other great actors and actresss.

In this movie, Travolta plays a mobster who's looking to collect on some money owed to him. In a certain scene, he's talking to DeVito, telling him how to make a certain look work for him.

Travolta tells DeVito when he looks at him, think to himself, "You're mine @sshole. I own you."

The reason I bring this unorthodox scene up is that it's a great example of giving yourself confidence.

When thinking of this job, think to yourself, "It's mine. No one can do that job better than I can. It's true, it's true, it's all mine."

Good luck, dear, and make sure you keep us posted!



winkiebear
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[fireproof]

Thank you    I'm going to go out and cure cancer, wall paper the grand canyon, and find the holy grail!  I AM that good!  Shoulders back, head up - this is not a stretch for me; they all know what miracles I've worked in my present position (and if they don't, I'll tell them).  I have the skills, I have the seniority (which is often what really matters, but I won't even bring it up), and DARN IT - people LIKE me (you do, don't you?).

[winkiebear]

Now that's what I like to hear! You go, chicklet! You're gonna GET that job, because it's YOURS!

ps - we don't just like you, we LUVS ya!



winkiebear
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[countrigal]

Wooohoooo!  Watch out world, here comes Fireproof!!



CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[laundryhater]

Now you got it!  That's what I like to hear.  Heck if I was an interviewer I would hire you right now.  Go get 'em tiger!