Job Fair Preparation Tips

If you’re not confident in what you bring to the table, don’t expect others to be. Hiring managers can tell if you’re not confident. It often sets the tone of the interview. Here are 6 proven ways to boost your interview confidence (that actually work): 1. Research Like A Pro - Don't just skim the company's website. - Learn about their history, products, and values. - The more you know, the more confident you'll feel. 2. Master Nonverbal Cues - Nod your head and lean in to show engagement. - Make eye contact and smile. - Research shows 55% of our message is body language. 3. Structure Your Stories - Use the STAR Method. - Provide specific examples. - This can help make your answers compelling and memorable. 4. Use Positive Affirmations - Tell yourself you're confident and capable. - Positive self-talk is proven to work. - Pump yourself up before the interview. 5. Make it a Conversation - Don’t just think about what to say next. - Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions. - Show engagement by making thoughtful responses and asking follow-up questions. 6. Practice Makes Confident - Practice answers to common questions. - Role-play with a friend, mentor, or trusted peer. - You’ll be prepared and more relaxed on the interview day. Each of these strategies can boost your confidence. And help you create a positive, memorable impression. Reshare ♻ to help your network w/ their job hunt. And follow me for more content like this.

Got an interview coming up? Here's how to research the company ahead of time (don't just visit their website) ... ✅ 1) Review their website, blog, social media accounts, and LinkedIn page. (Some companies have culture hashtags like #WeAreCisco, #LifeAtChewy, #WeAreTarget / #, #InsideZappos, #LinkedInLife,  You’ll find the hashtags in their social media posts.) ✅ 2) Read press releases and media mentions. (Click the “News” tab too). ✅ 3) Find annual reports and quarterly earnings, if publicly available. ✅ 4) Research the size of company: employees and revenue. SeekingAlpha is great for this. ✅ 5) Search for interviews with members of the executive team. They’ll talk about the vision and goals of the company. ✅ 6) What are they selling? Get to know the details and demo the product if you can. ✅ 7) Who are their customers? Read customer reviews. ✅ 8) Who is their competition and how do they differentiate themselves? What is their reputation in the industry? ✅ 9) Research the industry: Do an online search for “recent trends in [your industry]” and “the future of [your industry]." ✅ 10) Research the people interviewing you: Search their name on Google and read their LinkedIn profile. Also, research the LinkedIn profiles of the people who work there: Get an idea of company culture/backgrounds/education/experience, especially for the department you’re interested in. Do people stay there awhile? Get promoted from within? That’s a good sign. ✅ 11) Study the job description and rehearse short stories that illustrate the keywords and key skills they're looking for. ✅ 12) Research the interview process at the company with Glassdoor, Indeed, and Comparably. Look up the company and click on the “Interviews” tab to read others’ experiences interviewing with the company. Make notes on your research and bring them to the interview. Work your research into the conversation: • "In preparation for this interview, I read the annual review report and was intrigued by ..." • "I was listening to an interview with your CEO and I agreed with what she said about ..." • "In order to understand your customers, I read the best and worst reviews on your website, Amazon, and social media posts. Here's what I noticed ..." I'm rooting for you. 👊 ♻ Please repost if you think this advice will help others. ***** Hi, have we met? I'm Emily and I'm on a mission to get the #greenbannergang back to work, one actionable step at a time. #jobsearch #jobhunt #jobseekers

Your competence at work is judged in seconds. Even when you over-deliver, you can be underestimated. Every day, false assumptions about you are made: — Polite = Weak — Older = Not agile — A foreign accent = Less capable — Introverted =  Not a strong leader — Woman =  Softer voice, less authority It's not just unfair. It's exhausting. So the question is: How do you beat biases without changing who you are? Here’s what I recommend: 𝟭. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 → Speak about impact, not effort. → Articulate your value proposition. →“Here’s the problems I solve. Here's how. Here’s the result."  If no one knows what you bring to the table, they won’t invite you to it. 𝟮. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 Silent excellence is wasted potential. → Speak up when it feels risky. → Build real not just strategic relationships. → Share insights where people are paying attention. You don’t need to be loud. You need to be seen. 𝟯. 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 The traits that trigger assumptions? Those are your edge. → Introverted? That’s deep listening. → Accent? That’s global perspective. Don’t flatten yourself to fit. Distinguish yourself to lead. 𝟰. 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 → Say “I recommend” not "I think.” → Hold eye contact. Take up space. → Act like your presence belongs (even when others haven’t caught up.) Confidence isn’t volume. It’s grounding. Bias is everywhere. But perception can be changed. Don't let other people's false assumptions define you. Do you agree? ➕ Follow Deena Priest for strategic career insights. 📌Join my newsletter to build a career grounded in progress, peace and pay.

Researching the company before a job interview. A lot of people research the wrong things. They look at stuff like how long they've been around, how many offices they have, their values and try to memorise a load of facts that aren't really going to help them in the interview. Instead research the things that are going to help you in the interview. Why does the company exist? Who are it's customers? Who are it's competitors? What are the challenges this company is facing right now? This type of research allows you to tailor your interview answers to the real-world context of the business, making you stand out as someone who understands them and can actually help them. A Google search will tell you a lot, but go deeper. Check out their company page updates on LinkedIn, check out their employees on LinkedIn, what are they saying? Check out customer reviews on TrustPilot, use their product, download their app if you can. Learn as much as you can and how the role you're interviewing for and your experience might contribute. Anything I've missed?

If looking like 40 million other job seekers is not the impression you want to make on hiring managers then it may be time to rethink your resume's career summary. It's not that career summaries are bad, it's more that they've become so generalized that they all blend in together. Let's consider a switch to a career snapshot. So what's the difference? Here's the intro to a summary: "Successful sales professional with 30 years' experience in retail..." This generic approach: - Does not answer the big 3 questions hiring managers ask in their initial scan - Focuses on generalities and years of experience that don't differentiate you - Blends in with every other qualified applicant - Wastes your 15-20 second window to grab attention Here's a career snapshot: "Award-winning chief financial officer overseeing $500M global operations expansion, saving $50M in YTD costs while increasing market share by 40%. Analyzes financial strengths and weaknesses of Fortune 500 companies and implements corrective actions to raise cash flow a minimum of 30%/year." This modern approach: - Engages readers with quantifiable achievements - Differentiates you from competitors with specific accomplishments - Highlights skills valuable to the position and company - Proves/validates what you've accomplished Here are my top 3 tips to help you write a compelling career snapshot: 1. Brainstorm Your Unique Selling Points Don't just list generic skills everyone in your field has. Identify your specific strengths, skills, and qualifications that make you different. 2. Showcase Accomplishments, Not Capabilities Instead of "Skilled in managing capital expansions," try "Managed $45M in capital expansions, raising Amelia Urgent Care from a level 2 to a level 3 trauma center in four years." The difference is dramatic—one is vague and forgettable, while the other communicates concrete value and achievement. 3. Add Power With Metrics and Results Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Numbers provide credibility and immediate visual impact: "Expanded market share 200% for more than 75 services in 15 states" "Increased year-over-year revenues 22% and reduced staff turnover rates 34%" These statistics transform you from a potential asset to a proven one. Read this article for two more tips (with examples) for how to write an impactful career snapshot: https://lnkd.in/ewHdvvzK 📌 Save this post for your next resume update. #Careers #Resumes #JobSearch

I’ve worked with so many students who are brilliant, but might not sound like it. They often ramble and stumble (if someone didn’t know them personally, they might label them as “not bright”). Here’s how I have trained 10,000+ students to sound smart (without faking it): 1. Speak in short, structured sentences Using big words and long sentences is the fastest way to lose credibility. People can see that you’re hiding behind jargon. So, instead: • Use short, declarative sentences • Pick simple, specific words • Structure your thoughts (“First... Second... Third...”) And here’s a bonus: pair your points with gestures (like holding up fingers). It increases your clarity, both verbally and nonverbally. — 2. Clarity = Competence Get to the point fast. Explain: • The problem • The solution • What you don’t know, and how you’ll figure it out That last one is underrated. Being able to say “Here’s what I don’t know (yet)” shows confidence, not weakness. — 3. Pay attention to your body gestures Avoid touching your face, fidgeting, or rubbing your neck during a conversation. These subconscious gestures signal “I’m nervous and unsure,” which erodes trust and credibility. . – 4. Want a confidence boost? Try this mindset: “I’m lucky.” Before a big meeting, pitch, or interview, try this: “I’m the perfect person for this. I’m lucky to be here, and they’re lucky to have me.” This mindset instantly upgrades your posture, tone, and energy. People trust those who believe in themselves. We trust people who feel lucky and capable. — 5. Know your story. Own your role. People with strong narrative identity—who know how their story fits into the moment—radiate confidence. Go in knowing: • What you bring • What do you want • How does this opportunity fit your bigger story — 6. One last tip: Nail the first impression. Before any big interaction, ask: “How can I be of service?” It instantly reorients your focus away from nerves, and toward connection. Whether you're in sales, therapy, leadership, or interviewing, that simple question builds warmth and trust. You don’t have to act smart. Speak clearly. Know what you know, own what you don’t, and bring presence and purpose into the room. That’s how you sound like the smart, capable person you already are.

𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞.... 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲..... If there’s one habit that immediately improves interview performance, it’s smart company research. Not scrolling randomly....Not reading the “About Us” page once..... Here’s a practical checklist you can follow before every interview: 1. Start with the Company Website (Your Primary Source) - Go through their About Us, Products/Services, Mission, and Values pages to understand what the company actually does. - Check the Careers page to get a sense of their culture and the kind of talent they attract. 2. Check Recent News & Updates - Search the company on Google News for product launches, partnerships, funding rounds, or leadership changes. - Pick one major update you can reference during the interview — it shows initiative and curiosity. 3. Analyse Their Social Media Presence - Look at their LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or employer branding campaigns. - Observe how they communicate, what they celebrate, and how they portray their culture. 4. Research Their Industry & Competitors - Understand the market the company operates in: Who are the major players? What trends are shaping the field? - Identify what differentiates this company from competitors, this will help you frame better interview answers. 5. Look Up Employees on LinkedIn - Search for people working in similar roles to the one you’re applying for. - Look at the hiring manager’s background to understand what skills or values they might appreciate. 6. Read Employee Reviews (With Balance) - Platforms like Glassdoor can offer insights into culture, leadership styles, and work-life balance. - Use this information to ask thoughtful questions, not to judge prematurely. 7. Build Your “Company Snapshot” - By the end of this process, you should know: - What the company does and how it makes money - Their key products or services - Their leadership team - Their recent achievements - Their culture and values - Their position in the market This is the difference between walking into an interview “prepared” vs. “strategically prepared.” Here´s a prompt you can use to research a company - Act like a McKinsey analyst. I have an upcoming interview with [Company Name] for the role of [Job Title]. Please research the company in depth and give me a structured, interview-ready brief. Include: What the company actually does (products, services, core business model) Their customers + target markets How the company makes money Recent news, product launches, mergers, funding, or major changes (last 12–18 months) Competitors + what differentiates this company Industry trends that will impact them Potential challenges the company might be facing right now What this specific role typically contributes to the company’s goals Talking points I can use in the interview (so I sound informed) Questions I can ask the interviewer based on this research

The Key to Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market ✨💼 One of the most frequent reminders I give my clients as a UN Career Coach is this: be authentic - in your CV, cover letter, and especially in job interviews. Authenticity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity to stand out in today’s competitive job market. With increasing competition in the UN and many other international organizations due to automation taking over jobs, budget cuts, and shrinking resources, having a unique voice has never been more important. 🤖🛠️ AI, while powerful, it is also generic. Recruiters and hiring managers are tired of reading and hearing the same generic stuff. AI lacks the authenticity that only you can bring. That’s why showcasing your distinct contributions, giving details and specifics is sooo critical! I often see CVs filled with generic descriptions under work experience: lists of standard duties that don’t reflect the person’s unique achievements and lack the details. Specifics do matter. 📝 Don’t just say, “Managed media relations.” Tell us which media outlets you engaged with, how you built relationships, and what results you achieved. Instead of writing, “Facilitated partnerships,” share the details - what kind of partnerships? With whom? What was the impact? These details help your application stand out from the crowd. The same applies in interviews, especially when discussing your motivation for the role. I often hear generic responses like, “I have relevant experience in X, Y, and Z organizations.” But why not dig deeper? Tell the interview panel what truly excites you about this role such as 💡 Is it the chance for career progression? 📈 Is it the organization’s mandate? 🌍 Or a deep, personal passion for the industry? Share your why. It’s not just about what you’ve done; it’s about why this role matters to you and how it aligns with your goals. Creating your story takes preparation. Refine your elevator pitch, rehearse it, and seek feedback. The more authentic and specific you are, the more likely you are going to leave a good impression. 🌟 In an era of automation and generic AI-generated applications, your authenticity and unique voice will set you apart. Don’t shy away from being you - that’s what will make employers remember you. 💼🎯 #CareerCoaching #UNCareers #AuthenticityMatters #StandOut #JobApplications #InterviewTips #AIandCareers #MotivationMatters #CVWriting #CareerDevelopment #JobSearch

Looking for a job at mid-career or later can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s been a while since you were on the market and/or if you’re looking to make a career change. My coaching clients often struggle with the challenge of presenting their qualifications in a compelling way. How will you stand out amid other candidates with more direct experience or who seem to look the part more than you? To overcome these worries and strengthen the professional confidence you need to make achieve your career goals, the single most important thing is learning how to share your contributions in a way that (1) captures the interest of the people you need to influence (interviewers, company representatives, relevant people in your network), (2) demonstrates how your background, skills, and qualities fit the bill, and (3) feels authentic to you. There’s no need to feel comfortable acting like someone other than you, because you have a great deal to offer! One of my current coaching clients is looking to find a leadership role in a different industry after having been in her last organization for 14 years. She noticed a tendency to brush off compliments that other people offered her and to feel uncomfortable owning and sharing her contributions. After finding several positions of interest, she took a little time to write out examples of contributions she’s made, including the context, the stakes, what she did, how she led, and what results she achieved. After building a catalog of examples that reflect the competencies needed in the jobs she’s applying for, she now feels so strong that she feels ready to play big and shoot for an executive role. As she shares her examples, she’s now finding that she’s being invited to interview – and invited back to the second round. What do you find challenging in owning and sharing your contributions in a way that make people believe in you? What have you found that works for you? #career #jobsearch #confidence Microsoft Rachael D. Brigitta Wurnig Teresa Ramos Martin Lidija Drobež Kateryna Timonkina