DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been working as an associate product manager for two years, and I’m ready to take the next step in my career by interviewing for a new position. However, I’m terrified because I’ve always considered myself a terrible interviewee.
I struggle with answering questions on the spot, I feel like I come across as nervous and unprepared, and I blank when it’s time to talk about my accomplishments. The idea of facing another round of interviews makes me so anxious that I’ve been putting off applying for jobs altogether.
I know that preparation is key, but I’m unsure how to effectively practice and build confidence without getting overwhelmed.
Should I focus on mock interviews, improving my storytelling skills or something else? How can I work on presenting myself confidently while staying authentic and not sounding rehearsed?
I’m worried my nerves might hold me back from landing a role that could be a great opportunity for growth.
— Getting Ready
DEAR GETTING READY: You need to practice to become familiar with what you want to say in your interviews.
Map out the basic answers to all of the questions you think they may ask. Write down your answers, and then repeat them as you look at yourself in the mirror. Practice speaking confidently. It will take time, but you can get comfortable if you put in enough hours.
Do your best to memorize the main points so that even if you are nervous, you know the core information you want to share.
Breathe! Engage your breath to help keep you calm and steady. Remind yourself that you are prepared, and you can do it!
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m feeling completely overwhelmed by my financial situation.
With paying off student loans, covering my living expenses and trying to save for the future, I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Rent alone takes up half of my paycheck, and despite budgeting carefully, I’m struggling to make any real progress.
I don’t want to move in with my parents, because I value my independence and feel like it would be a step backward, but it’s starting to feel like my only option.
I desperately want to build financial stability and work toward a more secure future, but I don’t even know where to start.
On top of that, I often feel isolated since I can’t afford to spend money on social activities like my friends do.
I worry that all of these sacrifices will lead to burnout, and I need help finding a balance between financial security and enjoying my life. What steps can I take to get back on track without sacrificing my independence or feeling completely defeated?
— Striving
DEAR STRIVING: It takes time to build financial security, especially if you do not have a high-paying job.
You may want to consider getting a roommate to share the cost of your dwelling. Otherwise, you could move back home for a specific period of time, during which you focus on saving as much as possible toward your future goals.
Since you seem to have developed discipline around your finances, if you can take a break from some bills for a period of time, you may be able to get a jump on your savings.
You should try to work toward getting a promotion and raise.
Finally, if you have the bandwidth, consider taking on a second job to help move yourself toward financial security.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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