Building the career foundation: If you're looking for your first job, remember that studying, researching, going to workshops, or training aren't just about passing interviews. They're about getting ready for your career journey while on your dream job with an employer who provides you the highest opportunity to showcase your talent and skill. Focusing only on interviews is short-sighted.
Skills to fit the future: When you prepare before a job interview, think about the job itself. Understand what it involves, what you're expected to achieve, and how you'll fit into the company. Every company has its own way of doing things, its own rules to follow. It might take some time for you, as a new job seeker, to adjust to these ways and become a part of the team. It's like when a new organ is transplanted into a body - everyone hopes it'll work smoothly and fit right in. Interviewers don't just want to know how much you know about your field; they want to see if you'll fit well into their company in the long term. They want to know if you'll stick around and make a real impact. A while back, the chairman of a big company in India jocularly shared “on my first job interview, the interviewer asked me if I would be good enough to one day lead the company as its chairman. Thirty years, I fulfilled that expectation.” This shows how smart interviewers are about picking the right people for their company's future.
Navigating through preparation: The question before candidates preparing for job interviews is this: where to start preparing from, in the light of so much to prepare to emerge successful in any job interview? One, faced with this question, will never get an answer unless one starts from any point however easy or difficult it may seem. This question is the same as the puzzle that confronts you and me when standing before the elaborate birthday cake as where to first slice the cake? The answer never comes unless we begin to slice. Therefore, I have answered this question in the very first chapter titled ‘Extracting the pearl from the oyster – assessing core needs’ in my book ‘Becoming Recruitable.’ This article, you are now reading, has a leaning on that first chapter.
Unravelling the path: Let us look at the example of any sport – cricket, football, tennis or say, the cinema industry. Both in sport and entertainment, there always are new entrants, first-timers who arrive, after being trained to varying degrees by a trainer, depending on the skills of the trainer. However, despite training, having entered the player’s arena, only a limited few make the mark while some settle for secondary roles and the many just drop off including those who seemed utterly promising earlier. Isn’t this strange given that all those who dared to enter in the first place, did so driven by a dream to become great sports persons or movie actors? Why then only a select few achieve the goal? It’s even more interesting that from this limited few, only two or at the most three, skyrocket from being mere players to star players. Be it in sport or the movies, this is reality you may have noticed and wondered about.
Ah! The secret compass to success: What keeps wilderness explorers on course, guiding them unfailingly to their destination? It's the trusty compass, always pointing north, serving as their guide as they journey toward their goal. Similarly, a standout athlete or an actor, with unwavering focus, holds a little-known secret that sets them apart from the rest. They follow a role model closely. This is why luck seems to favour them over others.
The power of role models: The role model can come from any field, and they're always the best at what they do. They're adored by fans and have a solid reputation in their industry. When a newcomer wants to become a star, they mimic this role model with precision, following their example closely. At first, it might seem like they're copying the famous maestro, but that's okay. Eventually, their own unique talents shine through, and they start getting noticed by the industry and the media. What they initially imitated from their hero becomes their own special quality, propelling them to success, whether in movies or sports. This same idea applies to first-time job seekers. To do well in interviews and in your job, it helps to have a role model. Who's your ideal role model? Think about it.
Mirroring the perfect model: In a job interview, the candidate who effectively markets themselves usually gets the job offer. So, essentially, doing well in interviews is all about being the best salesperson you can be. Think back: who's a salesperson you've seen who really impressed you and made you buy something? How did they come across? What were they wearing? How did they carry themselves? What did they say, and how did they say it? What about them made you decide to make a purchase? Use these answers to mentally make this person your role model. Then, in your interviews, try to make yourself as appealing to the interviewers as that person was to you. Now, let’s visualize a bit. Assume that you are an ardent fan, an admirer of a gentleman we shall, for convenience, refer to as Mr. AB. Imagine how Mr. AB is dressed. How has he styled his hair? How does he look in the dark suit? How does he walk into the interview room? In which hand does he hold his briefcase? How does he greet the interviewers? What expression does he bear on his face while shaking hands with the interviewers? Is he smiling with genuine pleasure? Does he appear confident? Do the interviewers appear pleased meeting him? How does Mr. AB take a seat? Does he seek permission, or just plonks on the chair? How does he place his feet? Does he cross his legs one over the other? Or does he prefer to stretch them for comfort? Where has he placed his arms? On the armrests? On his lap? Where has he placed his briefcase? On his lap? On the floor? Where is he looking? At the pretty female interviewer? Out of the window? On a picture on the wall? How does he react when an interviewer talks? Tilts his head while listening to a question? What is his body posture when he answers? At whom does he look when answering a question, especially when there are both men and women interviewers? At the questioner? At the ceiling? At the floor? How would he make all the interviewers feel involved? If he had a question to ask, how would he ask it? If the interviewers offered him coffee/ tea, would he accept it? If yes, why? If no, why? What, would be his reaction if an interviewer snapped at him? Assuming that the interviewers have been comfortable with Mr. AB, would they ever snap at him? How would he react when the interviewer closes the interview with “Thank you, we’ll get back. NEXT?” How would Mr. AB react to this statement while making a memorable exit out of the interview room? On the other hand, would he make a dash for the door, sweating, with a “Thank God, it’s over!”? Will he leave the premises immediately or will he remain at the waiting lounge for a while? If yes, why when his turn in the interview is over? Finally, do you think that Mr. AB would be selected in this interview? I know your answer is a resounding YES. If Mr. AB can be successful in an interview, so can you. Because you do what Mr. AB, your role model, would do under the same circumstances. If Mr. AB succeeds, so will you.
The universal success key: I recall a general practitioner (doctor) who consistently showed genuine kindness and courtesy to every patient, regardless of their status. He treated each person as if they were the most important individual in the world, no matter how long it took to address their concerns. This doctor's compassionate approach attracted people in need of medical care to seek him out, showcasing his effective self-promotion.
To cite my own example, in my early days, Omar Sharif, the charming Hollywood actor, was my role model. I styled my hair like his, dressed like him, smiled like him, and spoke in the same casual, mesmerizing manner. People, including my clients and students, were very impressed. Nobody could guess that I was imitating Omar Sharif. It worked every time, and I got whatever I wanted. You too can follow this simple example. Your role model doesn't necessarily have to be a movie star; it could be anybody. You can have as many role models as you want in whatever role you play. You could be the best son, companion, player, driver of cars, or excel in any hobby. Just identify the role model who excels in that field, emulate what that person does, and you will become the best in that. For example, the GP (doctor) I mentioned earlier continues to be my role model when I take on my other professional role as a therapist, helping people. Mr. Bright, my school headmaster, is my role model when I train first-time job seekers to attain perfection to fit into their first jobs.
A Call to action: Here is your success plan. Think of a person who deeply impresses you. Make a note of each aspect of this person. Write it down. Study what you have written, revaluate. Next, act out each part before a mirror or before a friend or family member who will not pull your leg for doing so. Practice interview techniques every day imagining how your role model would do it?
Here is a gift: To support your effort. I am gifting you with an audio recording of affirmations that I have recorded for you. Listen to this recording, for no less than twenty-one days, once in the morning when you awaken and again in the evening just before you go to sleep. If you miss one day, start again for twenty-one straight days.
To access the audio content, please follow these steps:
1. Scan the QR code provided using your smartphone or tablet.
2. Fill in the form with your name, WhatsApp number, and email address.
3. Once completed, a link to the audio file will be generated.
4. Tap on the link to enjoy the audio content.
The Mirror reflects: Having listened to the affirmations in the audio regularly morning and evening for twenty-one days, you are quite likely to become a perfect prototype of your role model. I have no doubt about it. Neither should you. You shall gain the same, if not, greater success and acceptance than your role model.
Cheers to that!
About the Author
A multifaceted mentor, certified Life Coach, and guiding light for individuals of all ages, including children. With expertise in hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming, and EFT/TFT techniques, Ash empowers successful individuals to reach new heights. As a certified Kundalini Yoga third eye practitioner, he blends ancient wisdom with modern strategies. Passionate about supporting first-time jobseekers, Ash crafted the transformative program "Finishing Touch," ushering many students into fulfilling careers. Author of two insightful books, including the recent "Becoming Recruitable," Ash invites you to explore his work further at www.ash-nan.com and www.ashnan.cts.com.