Job hunting can be grueling work. Stress, anxiety, rejection, and crushed hopes are all a part of the package for job hunters. But the old adage rings true here: No pain, no gain. Landing your dream job is the ultimate reward, but the lessons you learn along the way can be just as valuable for your career.
[ It's important to demonstrate soft skills during job interviews. Read also: 8 TED Talks to strengthen your soft skills. ]
Tap into the wisdom of those who’ve traveled this road before you. Whether you have numerous interviews already under your belt or you are just starting your job hunt, this collection of talks will arm you with advice that could help you nail your next interview – and maybe even take some of the sting out of rejections. Take a look.
Why you will fail to have a great career
Speaker: Larry Smith
If you’ve been thinking about a career change for a while but still haven’t made a move, this talk is for you. Larry Smith challenges the audience by pointing out all the excuses we have for failing to pursue our passions. Do you think great careers are a matter of luck? Or that they are only for geniuses? Or that you’d have to sacrifice time with your family to succeed? These excuses will hold you back if you let them. Watch this talk for a motivational kick in the pants.
Should you trust your first impression?
Speaker: Peter Mende-Siedlecki
First impressions matter. We all know that, but have you ever wondered why? This TED-Ed video from Peter Mende-Siedlecki explores the social psychology of first impressions and, specifically, the actions and impressions that lead people to make lasting judgement calls about others – both positive and negative. This may be handy info to have as you prepare to hit the interview circuit.
What I learned from 32 grueling interviews
Speaker: Ashwini Mrinal Bhagat
Persistence pays: Embrace this lesson as you embark on your job hunt. In this talk, Ashwini Mrinal Bhagat details the journey to her first job that included 32 interviews (and rejections) before she was finally hired. She heard a variety of reasons for not landing a role – from an interviewer not liking the outfit she chose to someone not wanting to hire a woman. Each rejection taught a lesson in persistence that she carried with her into her career.
Why we choke under pressure – and how to avoid it
Speaker: Sian Leah Beilock
When we know we are being evaluated, the potential to choke under pressure is high. Sian Leah Beilock became all too familiar with this feeling during a high stakes soccer game. She realized that athletes spend a lot of time and energy honing their physical performance, but not their minds. When they are under pressure, it’s the mind that often trips them up. She calls this the phenomenon of over-attention – when we try to control aspects that are best left to auto-pilot. And she gives some specific tips for how to avoid messing up under pressure.
