When to use an elevator pitch: 

You can use your elevator pitch when interviewers ask you to “Tell me about yourself.” You can also use it when people inevitably ask you, “So, what do you do?”

If you don’t have an elevator pitch ready, you might be tempted to ramble about everything from where you grew up to a laundry list of your favorite hobbies. After you learn how to create an elevator pitch, you’ll be able to give a poised answer that makes a lasting impression. You’ll impress interviewers and people who might be able to make invaluable connections throughout your job search and career.

When interviewing or speaking to someone from a specific company, tailor your elevator pitch for the job and company. Otherwise, you can use the same general elevator pitch whether you’re at Thanksgiving dinner or a crowded networking event.

How to create your elevator pitch:

Now that you know the benefits of having an elevator pitch, you’re ready to make your own using our elevator pitch examples. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting an effective elevator pitch that will make a strong impression.

Step 1: Include one sentence about your background: Start with a brief introduction that provides a snapshot of your professional background. This helps to establish context and gives the listener an idea of who you are.

Example: “I’m the editor-in-chief of the popular professional and personal development site, Elana Lyn.” 

Step 2: Mention a big accomplishment: Highlight a significant achievement that showcases your capabilities and sets you apart. This will grab attention and demonstrate your ability to deliver results. It’s beneficial to include metrics to show your accomplishments.

Example: “I am proud that more than 100,000 people read Elana Lyn each month.” 

Step 3: Highlight a few of your top skills: Mention two to three key skills relevant to the position or field you’re interested in. These skills should align with the job you are seeking and reflect your strengths.

Example: “I excel at writing, editing, and search engine optimization.”

Step 4: Share what you’re looking for in your career: Clearly state your career goals and what you’re looking for in your next role. This helps the listener understand your aspirations.

Example: “I am excited to continue strengthening my skills as an editor at [Company Name].”

Step 5: Explain the value you’ll provide to a company: End by explaining how you can add value to the company. This should summarize why they should be interested in you and what you bring to the table.

Example: “I’m confident that I can use my writing, editing, and content marketing skills to create engaging content and increase traffic.”

After combining all the elements, your elevator pitch would be:

“I’m the editor-in-chief of the popular professional and personal development site, Elana Lyn. I am proud that more than 100,000 people read Elana Lyn each month. I excel at writing, editing, and search engine optimization. I am excited to continue strengthening my skills as an editor at [Company Name]. I’m confident that I can use my writing, editing, and content marketing skills to create engaging content and increase traffic.”

• Keep it short. Aim for about 30-60 seconds, or around 150-250 words.
• Be clear and specific. Avoid jargon and be straightforward about your achievements and goals.
• Practice. Rehearse your pitch until you can deliver it confidently.
• Adapt. Be ready to tailor your pitch to different audiences.

The post How to Create an Elevator Pitch That Actually Gets Attention appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

Unfortunately, there may have been factors out of your control. For example, the position could have been filled internally or given to someone further along in the hiring process. You can control how you respond, reflect, and remain resilient so you can focus on doing your best throughout the rest of the job search process. As hard as it may seem, viewing rejection as redirection and a valuable learning experience is in your best interest. 

Ask for feedback:

Even though you might want to delete the dreaded rejection email, it can be beneficial to respond. Your response shows your maturity, continued interest in the company, and dedication to personal and professional growth. 

You can say something short like:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and share more about [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning about the role, team, and company. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can provide. I hope to stay in touch and be considered for future openings. I will continue to check for relevant job postings. Thank you again for interviewing me. 

It’s possible the hiring manager won’t provide feedback because it may be seen as a liability or they are swamped. Still, it’s worthwhile to ask because their constructive criticism could be a beneficial way to harness job search rejection. As Pamela Weinberg, a New York City-based career coach says, “Feedback is a great way to use job search rejection to your advantage.” 

Reflect on the experience:

Give yourself some time to feel sad — and maybe indulge in some Ben & Jerry’s — then take some time to analyze the experience. Even though it’s hard, try your best to be objective or ask a close friend, family member, or mentor for feedback. 

“Reflect back on the process and see what you might do differently next time to affect a different outcome, such as finding people to network with within the company before or during the application process or practicing your interview skills,” says Weinberg. View the experience as a learning opportunity that will make you an even better candidate the next time around.

Donna L. Sellers, a certified life and career coach recommends asking yourself three insightful questions:

-What did I do well in the process?
-What did I learn about myself, the company culture, or the industry?
-What will I think about this situation five years from now?

The first two questions will help you interpret and evaluate your performance and the types of jobs and companies you’re applying to. The last enables you to stay positive and resilient. “Shift your perspective and you’ll see that the rejection shifts, too,” says Sellers.

But don’t get stuck on a case of the “coulda woulda shoulda.” You never know exactly how the hiring decision was made. Keep in mind that there could have been someone with more years of experience or a strong recommendation from someone at the company.

Stay positive: 

The job search process is a lot of work and rejection is difficult whether you get a form rejection email without being asked to interview or you’ve gotten to the final round of job interviews. Kevin Grubbs, executive director of the Villanova University Career Center, recommends combatting negative emotions by focusing on self-care. Make time each day to do things you enjoy and might not be able to do in the middle of the day if you were working full-time. For example, go for a mid-day run, curl up and watch a movie, or meet a friend for lunch. These breaks will help you feel happier and more resilient so you can weather the rejection better and keep moving forward.

“Getting back into a space of positivity will help in big ways when you approach the next opportunity. The good news about doing this is that learning how to rebound from tough times effectively will build your resilience, a quality employers look for in their next hires,” Grubb says.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that job search rejection stinks. However, you can use it to become a better candidate and say thank you, next.

The post How to Recover From Job Rejection appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

You hear the words no one ever wants to hear: “We have to let you go.” You’re half listening and half freaking out internally when they tell you that they no longer need your position and that today will be your last day with the company. They explain that they are grateful for the accomplishments you’ve had throughout your time at the company, that they are happy to be a reference during your search, and that they’ve prepared a severance package. 

You know that you can negotiate your starting salary and raises, but did you know that you can also negotiate severance? You probably want to sign on the dotted line and get the heck out of the claustrophobic conference room, but it’s not recommended. “In the heat of the moment it may be tempting to simply sign and receive a check, but it’s in your best interest to have a legal professional look over it before signing,” says Patrick Colvin, a New York-based strategic human resources business partner at USA Today Network. I talked to career experts to find out their advice for negotiating your severance agreement.

Review the agreement carefully:

To decide how to negotiate severance, you have to read the agreement and find out exactly what you would be agreeing to in exchange for your severance. “It’s important to understand that receiving severance typically depends on you signing an agreement,” cautions Colvin, adding that you may fortify certain rights like the ability to work for certain employers for a specific time or the ability to disclose the terms of the agreement. You can add, remove, or edit clauses from the document such as adjusting the non-compete specifications. “The thing to keep in mind is that it is a ‘this’ for ‘that’ type of situation so everything is fair game to negotiate. The company is providing ‘this’ in exchange for ‘that,’ which is your signature,” says Colvin. 

Decide what you are asking for:

As with any negotiation, you have to come to the table knowing your desired outcome. You can negotiate the size of your severance check, but there are other things you can negotiate to help you during your unexpected job search. “Some of the more obvious elements to negotiate are more cash in the form of a lump sum or extension of salary, insurance coverage, and pay for unused sick and vacation days,” says Avery Roth, founder of the New York-based career coaching firm Change@Work. But she also recommends asking the company to pay for career coaching sessions, set you up with an employee outplacement firm, or provide a positive recommendation to future employees.

Lead with your accomplishments:

When you get laid off, it’s not because you did anything wrong. The company may be eliminating positions because their margins were low, they may be reorganizing and getting rid of a department, or they may be strapped for cash because they just lost a few big clients. You have more bartering power to negotiate severance than you would if you were fired for cause. “Remind them of all of your accomplishments and all of the contributions that you’ve made,” says Alexandra Dickinson, founder of the New York-based negotiation coaching firm, Ask For It. “You can always ask. But back it up with how strong your performance has been.” 

The post How to Negotiate a Severance Package appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

Layoffs typically happen because the company is making changes, such as restructuring the team, cutting the budget, or merging with another company. Unfortunately, even though you’ve done nothing wrong and you’ve been reassured it’s not performance-based, a layoff can still plummet your self-esteem. Take a deep breath and use these strategies to help you feel better so you can focus on getting excited for your next opportunity.

Take time off to focus on self-care:

“Even though your first thought may be to scour the job sites all day every day until you land your next job, make sure to pencil in some quality self-care time into your schedule, too,” says  Dr. Amy Cooper Hakim, a Florida-based organizational psychologist. She recommends sleeping in, reading a good book, or getting together with friends. “Take this unplanned time off to rest up physically, emotionally, and mentally. That way, you will be most prepared to put your best foot forward during your next interview,” Hakim adds.

Focus on your accomplishments:

Boost your self-esteem by reflecting on everything you accomplished. Hakim recommends updating your resume to include your accomplishments. “In addition to showing a prospective employer what you’ve accomplished, this activity will also help you remember how much you did at your previous job. Feel proud of your contributions and of the relationships you made,” she says. 

Reach out to your network:

Losing your job can feel isolating. Deena Baikowitz, a New York-based networking coach at Fireball Network suggests surrounding yourself with people who know you well. “Your friends can help you articulate and promote the unique strengths and talents you offer. Ask them to remind you and encourage you as much as you need to, so you can stay focused, motivated, and positive,” she says. 

Also, contact people who can help you find your next role. Baikowitz recommends attending networking events and career development workshops and telling people you’re looking for a new job. “Indicate your dream job title, role, type of company, industry, and location,” she says, “By focusing on moving forward and being productive, you’ll be looking forward to your next awesome job, instead of staying stuck in the past.” 

Connect with experts: 

In addition to connecting with your network, consider speaking to a career coach or mental health professional. If your company offers outplacement services, including access to a career coach and free resume and cover letter reviews, sign up. 

If you feel depressed, reach out to a mental health professional who can help you feel better. One of your first moves after being laid off should be to sign up for health insurance. You can find a plan through the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace or sign up for the same coverage through COBRA. 

The post How to Emotionally and Financially Cope With Being Laid Off appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

But then you remember that — newsflash — you’ve got to find a job. You have to read job ads, write cover letters, customize your résumé, and go on job interviews. Plus you have to deal with rejection — or being ghosted — over and over again. Having to face the hard facts can be daunting.

“The best ways to stay positive and proactive is to know exactly what you want to do next in your career, and to have a system,” says Adunola Adeshola, founder of the career advice website employeeREDIFINED. I spoke with career experts to share their advice on making the most of this downtime and becoming an even better job candidate.

Stick to a schedule:

“The best way to stay positive and productive when you’re between jobs is to consider your job search your full-time job,” says Alison Doyle, a job-search expert at the New York City-based personal finance site The Balance. “Even though you’re out of work and may be stressed, your job search will be more effective if you have balance in your life.”

Doyle says to create a schedule for your job-hunting activities like networking, applying to jobs online, and following up on applications and interviews. Although you could spend all day applying for jobs, make sure you take care of yourself. Make a list of activities that make you happy like running, cooking, trying new coffee shops, and watching TV. Carving out time to do things you enjoy will help you stay positive when you’re unemployed.

Rely on your support network:

“When you’re between jobs, the stress of frequent rejection or not getting enough callbacks can wear you down after a while,” says Angelina Darrisaw, founder of the New York City-based career-coaching firm C-Suite Coach. “It helps a great deal if you are not internalizing that stress and dealing with it alone.”

Your friends, family, and professional contacts can provide the advice and encouragement you need to stay positive while you’re unemployed. And they can also provide connections to new opportunities through networking. Tell people what you’re looking for; they may know someone who can help. You never know who your cousin’s husband’s best friend is and how he can introduce you to his sister-in-law’s brother who works at one of your dream companies.

Tap your professional resources:

If you are unemployed because you were laid off, Darrisaw recommends asking your previous HR team if they can provide resources, such as a few sessions with a career coach, to help you navigate the job search process. Also, ask your manager, direct reports, and close colleagues if they’ll write you a short LinkedIn recommendation and serve as a reference.

“If you are between jobs for another reason, find someone who has been in the same place before,” says Darrisaw. “It will help to know that what you are going through is totally par for the course and to hear from others who have been there.”

Set specific goals:

“Don’t just say that you will search for jobs from noon to four,” says Dr. Amy Cooper Hakim, a Palm Beach-based organizational psychologist. “Rather, give yourself specific goals that are measurable and attainable. Reward yourself when you meet your daily and weekly goals.”

One day your goal might be to find three jobs you’re interested in, customize your résumé for each job, and write your cover letters. The next day you might want to go on an informational interview, attend a networking event, and get coffee with a mentor.

Think about your long-term goals as well. Adeshola recommends considering why you left your last job (and any previous ones) and what you want next. For example, you could ask yourself:

• What job responsibilities do I want to have?
• What job titles am I targeting?
• What is my ideal company culture?
• What is my goal salary range?
• What benefits do I want to have?

“Knowing the answers to these questions will give you the direction you need to stay focused, positive, and proactive,” says Adeshola.

Develop new skills:

“When you get rejected, learn from it. If the company doesn’t hire you, you might as well learn why,” says Hakim. “That way, you can make any necessary tweaks to your résumé or gain some additional experience.” So if you can, ask for feedback, even when you don’t land a job. That way, you’ll be positioned for self-improvement.

“It’s very rare to have a block of time off in our adult lives,” says Pamela Weinberg, a New York City-based career coach, “so use the time to gain some new skills that can help you in your next job, or to learn something you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had the time.”

Read job descriptions to find out what your target companies are looking for — coding, grant writing, or knowledge of specific tools — and use the time you’re unemployed to acquire those skills. Take free classes and certification programs to learn new skills. You’ll feel more positive and confident, and it will shine through on your application.

The post How to Stay Positive During a Long Job Search appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

Pros of Job Hopping:

Job Satisfaction:

One of the main benefits of switching jobs is finding one where you can learn, grow, and be happy. If you’re miserable at a job, should you stay for more than two years? Think about what you liked and disliked about the job and use it to guide your choices moving forward. Don’t choose a new job without proactively analyzing whether the job is right for you. This will increase your chances of job satisfaction and the likelihood that you’ll stay for at least two years. 

Increase your salary: 

Another benefit of switching jobs is that you may make more money. According to a recent study, the median pay raise for 2014 was 3%. According to research from Wharton management professor, Matthew Bidwell, hiring managers will pay 10% to 20% more to hire people with a proven track record. If you negotiate your offer effectively, you could make significantly more at another company. 

Move up the ladder faster: 

There are a lot of companies that only offer reviews and promotions once or twice a year. This doesn’t allow for fast upward mobility. One way to increase your title (and pay) is to get hired at a new company. If there isn’t room for growth at your current company, switching jobs may be the best way to learn new skills, take on more responsibility, become a manager and, ultimately, advance your career. 

Cons of Job Hopping:

Reputation to future employers:

If you have a history of job hopping, future employers may think you’ll likely leave quickly, if hired. They may not want to invest time and resources into training if they think you won’t stay for long. Use your interview as a time to show that you’ll be committed to the company. Ask questions and say statements such as, “I’m passionate about [the company’s] mission and the role and would want to stay for a long time. What would advancement and growth look like for this position?” You’ll probably be asked why you left previous positions and why you are looking to leave your current one. Tell a story and explain your reasoning.

Learn skills at a company:

If you like your job, you’re learning, and there is room for growth, why leave? According to a paper by Wharton management professor, Matthew Bidwell, it takes external hires two years to build relationships and learn how to be effective at the organization. Bidwell also notes “If you like where you are, stay there. Or at least understand how hard it can be to take your skills with you. You think you can go to another job and perform well, but it takes a long time to build up to the same effectiveness that you had in your previous organization. You need to know that your skills are often much less portable than you think.” Bidwell also found that external hires have lower performance evaluations and “There is a much greater risk of being let go during those first few years, mainly because they may not develop the necessary skills and thus will not perform as well as expected. Then, too, they might decide to leave voluntarily.”

In conclusion: 

Before deciding if you should leave a job before the two-year mark, consider the pros and cons of job hopping. If you’re happy and learning, it may be worthwhile to stay. Advocate for yourself and try to get a promotion and raise. If you’re miserable or there is no room for growth, it’s okay to leave. Make sure to evaluate the new role and company to increase the chances that you’ll stay.

The post Pros and Cons of Job Hopping appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

During a job interview, you’re likely to be asked why you want to work at the company and why you’re excited about the role. To answer these common interview questions effectively, you need an in-depth understanding of the company. You need to demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s mission, values, operations, and goals. The interviewer wants to know that you’re not just looking for any job, you’re truly excited about the role and company. By thoroughly researching the company, you’ll be able to show why you’re interested in the role and company and why you’re a good fit. Here’s how to prepare for a job interview.

How to prepare for common interview questions:

Tell me about yourself.

How to answer: This is your chance to summarize your career path. Highlight the skills, accomplishments, and experiences that make you a good fit for the role. Keep it concise and relevant to this job. Aim to answer this common job interview question in two to three sentences.

Example: “I’ve spent the last five years working as a content marketing manager, where I’ve developed strong skills in digital marketing, content creation, and analytics. I’m proud that I led a campaign that increased website traffic by 40%. I’m excited about this position because I would use my digital marketing, content creation, and analytics skills to help customers like myself discover more of your company’s products and services.

Why do you want to work here?

How to answer: The key here is to research the company before the interview. Show that you researched the company by mentioning specific things that appealed to you, such as the values, mission, products or services, and growth opportunities. Tie it back to you by mentioning how it aligns with your professional goals.

Example: “I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to providing actionable advice for job seekers. I’ve been reading your articles for years and love that you make career advice fun to read. I’m excited about using my content writing and SEO skills to help job seekers feel more successful.

What are your strengths?

How to answer: Choose strengths that are crucial for the role. Don’t just say you have strong skills, show how you’ve made an impact. Use this common job interview question to focus on qualities that will make you successful.

Example: “One of my key strengths is improving SEO. In my previous role, I wrote and edited thousands of articles, leading to improved search rankings and millions of monthly readers.”

What are your weaknesses?

How to answer: Don’t give a cop-out response like you’re a perfectionist or work too hard. Choose something that’s not key to the role and is something you’ve actively worked to improve.

Example: “I used to be nervous about public speaking. I signed up for improv classes, and now I’m comfortable speaking to large crowds. In my previous role, I led webinars attended by thousands of job seekers.”

Why did you leave your last job (or why do you want to leave your current job)?

How to answer: Avoid saying anything bad about the company or your coworkers. If you were laid off, it’s better to be honest. Instead, focus on why you’re excited about this role, such as the opportunity for career growth, learning new skills, or taking on new challenges.

Example: “I enjoyed working at [Company] and am proud of what I achieved. Unfortunately, the company laid off 25% of employees, including myself. Now I’m excited to find a new role where I can use my content marketing skills and manage a team.

Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.

How to answer: Use the STAR method, which stands for situation, task, action, and result. Describe the situation, explain a specific task or problem, outline your actions, and highlight the positive result.

Example: “I noticed a drop in our Instagram ad click-through rate. I implemented [xyz] changes. As a result, we saw a 30% improvement.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How to answer: Employers want to hire someone who will be at the company long term, so explain how you hope to grow there.

Example: “In five years, I see myself having grown within this role, taking on more responsibility, and leading a team. I’d love to contribute to [department’s goals] and work on developing [specific skills or expertise relevant to the role].”

Why should we hire you?

How to answer: Use your answer to this common job interview question to explain the qualifications, experiences, and strengths that make you a strong fit for the role. Tailor your answer to the job description and demonstrate how you’ll contribute to the company’s success.

Example: “I bring a combination of strong technical and interpersonal skills. In my last role, I led a team that increased website traffic by 25%, and I’m confident I can bring that same level of success to your company. I’m also very excited about the company’s mission and how I can use my skills to make an impact.

How do you handle stress or pressure?

How to answer: Talk about how you stay calm and focused under pressure, such as your time management and organizational skills. Provide an example of a situation where you handled stress effectively.

Example: “I handle stress by writing a detailed to-do list and breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. I like using Trello to help my team stay organized. I always prioritize time-sensitive tasks and ones that will make the biggest impact.”

Tell me about a time when you worked in a team.

How to answer: Describe a situation where you collaborated effectively. Highlight your ability to contribute to a common goal.

Example: “In my last position, I helped launch a new product and services page. My role was to research competitors, redesign the page, and write engaging content. We saw a 25% increase in page traffic and a 10% conversion rate.”

What is your greatest professional achievement?

How to answer: Choose a measurable accomplishment highlighting your skills and contributions. Explain the impact you made.

Example: “My greatest achievement was leading my team to launch a new product that exceeded sales targets by 30%. I managed the project roadmap, coordinated with the marketing and tech teams, and ensured we hit our deadline. The successful launch helped us reach our quarterly revenue goal.”

How do you prioritize your work?

How to answer: This question assesses your time management and organizational skills. Talk about how you manage tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize.

Example: “I use [project management tools] to keep track of deadlines and deliverables. I start with the most time-sensitive tasks and make sure the team has what they need from me to move forward. I also have a handwritten to-do list because I like the satisfaction of crossing out tasks.”

What motivates you?

How to answer: Employers want to ensure you’re excited about the day-to-day work and the company.

Example: “I’m excited about the role because I’ll be able to use [xyz skills] to increase website traffic and, ultimately, sales. I enjoy collaborating with my coworkers to achieve our common goals.”

What are your salary expectations?

How to answer: In many states, companies are required to include the salary range in the job description so start there. If it’s not included, I recommend not answering. Instead, ask the recruiter what the salary range is for the role, this way you don’t mention a salary that is lower or higher than what they have budgeted for the role. You wouldn’t want to say you’d like to make $75,000 when they planned to offer $100,000.

Example: “The job description says the salary range would be between $70,000 and $80,000. Based on my skills and experience, I would hope to be at the higher end of the range.”

Do you have any questions for us?

How to answer: Always have a few questions prepared. This shows interest in the company and the role. Ask about team dynamics and growth opportunities. Avoid questions about salary and benefits unless the interviewer brings it up first. P.S. Here are my favorite questions to ask.

Example: “How would you describe the company culture? What qualities are most important for someone to succeed in this role?”

How to research the company:

1. Explore the company website: 

Start by reading the company website to get a thorough understanding of the company. I recommend checking these pages:

-About us: Learn about the company’s history, the products or services it offers, and the organization’s mission and values.
-Careers page: Read about the team, values, company culture, and what it’s like to work at the company. Many companies describe their professional development programs, employee resource groups, and the benefits and perks they offer employees.
-Products or services: This is where you can learn about the products or services the company offers and what makes them unique.
-Press: Read recent press releases and news about the company.

2. Check the company’s social media profiles: 

Next, look at the company’s social media profiles to learn about how they promote their products or services. This step can also help you get a feel for the company culture, dress code, and updates like new offerings.

3. Read employee reviews:

You should take company reviews on sites like Glassdoor, Comparably, and Indeed with a grain of salt — people usually only write reviews if they love something or hate it — but it can help you learn what it’s like to work at the company. I also recommend clicking “Interviews” to learn about the interview process and questions you might be asked.

4. Learn about the team:

Research for a job interview by finding out more about your interviewer and key team members. Learn about:

–The interviewer: I’m always less nervous for an interview when I know a little bit about the interviewer. I recommend checking their LinkedIn page to see their work history and education. You might be able to bring up something you have in common, like that you both went to the same university or worked at the same company.
–The leadership team: Familiarize yourself with the founders and executives by skimming their bios on the company website.

5. Engage your network: 

If you get to the final stage of the interview process, it’s helpful to speak with people who work at the company or worked there previously. They are likely to be more honest about their experience so you can get a feel for whether you want to join the team. Use LinkedIn to see if any of your connections work at the company or worked there previously or if you know anyone who can make an introduction. You’re more likely to get a response if you have an easy “ask.” Instead of asking them to meet or speak on the phone, introduce yourself, mention that you are interviewing at the company, and ask if they enjoy working at the company and how they’d describe the company culture.

6. Review the job description: 

This is the most important thing you can do to research for a job interview. Look at the job description again to understand the responsibilities and necessary skills and experience. Review your resume and make sure you can discuss how you’ve gained the skills and experience they need from past roles or your academic achievements.

The post How to Prepare for a Job Interview appeared first on Elana Lyn Gross.

Whether you got laid off or furloughed, took time off to raise kids or take care of a family member, left to start your own business, started a job you hated, and quit without another job lined up, traveled the world, or something else entirely, it is all about how you explain it. 

Be proactive: 

Did you work at all or volunteer during the gap? Include it on your resume. Did you pick up freelance work, work a part-time job, volunteer, start your own business, or work on a passion project? You should include it in your resume and cover letter. (If you freelanced and had multiple clients or projects, you can group it under a catch-all like “freelance web developer.”) Just like with the full-time jobs on your resume, don’t just list your responsibilities — show what you accomplished. If you went back to school, took one-off classes to learn new skills, or completed certification programs, add it to the education section on your resume along with the dates.

Be positive: 

Prepare for your job interview by practicing your answers to the most common job interview questions and researching the company. Determine how you’ll explain the gap on your resume and how you’ll talk about your career path. Focus on how your experience contributed to your professional development. If you worked for yourself, took a part-time or temp job, started your own business, worked on a passion project, volunteered, or took classes, be able to explain what you learned and accomplished and the transferable skills that will make you a great hire for this job. 

Be honest: 

There is just one thing you don’t want to do in your resume and cover letter or a job interview ⁠— lie. Don’t change the dates of employment so it looks like you are still working at the company or shift them so it seems like you have a shorter gap. Employers can verify your career history and chances are you won’t get the job offer. Even if you get the job, you could get fired for lying on your resume. Honesty is always the best policy. 

If someone asks why you left your job, be honest without talking badly about the company. If you were laid off, explain that the company had budget cuts or restructured and that you were let go. Keep it positive and say that you enjoyed your time at the company, learned skills and you are proud of what you accomplished. Transition by tying what you learned and accomplished into why you would be great for the job at hand. If you quit your job without having another lined up, similarly stay positive, explain what you learned and achieved, what you are looking for in your next job and role, and why that led you to apply to this job! If you left to be a stay-at-home parent, take care of a family member, were sick, or even quit to travel the world, you can simply say that without diving into details. 

There are so many reasons that someone’s career trajectory might have a gap of a few months or a few years.  A good employer will focus on the here and now. After all, the most important thing should be the value you’ll bring to the company now. 

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15 Common Job Interview Questions

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