Building Confidence in Job Applications

Do you hate the idea of selling yourself? Most people do. I won’t try to convince you to love it, but I want to help you to embrace it — because there are times in life when you need to be self-promotional. A job interview is the perfect example. Most people struggle to sell themselves in job interviews because it feels uncomfortable — they’re not used to talking about their achievements out loud. Others struggle because they are humble by nature or struggle with imposter syndrome. These feelings can sabotage the best attempts to convince the hiring manager that you’re the perfect fit. While I have no magic, instant solution, the actions that brought the best results to my coaching clients are: 1) Own your strengths Spend some time outlining at least 5 of your top strengths. For each one, write a few bullet points describing HOW you exhibit that strength. In most interviews, you’ll get some questions about your strengths (”Why should we hire you?” and “What makes you a good fit for the role?” are also strengths questions in disguise). Don’t force yourself to wing it when talking about your strengths. You’re likely to shy away from giving yourself enough credit. If you prepare, you’ll be much more likely to speak confidently and persuasively about what sets you apart. 2) Own your accomplishments Prepare your interview stories about your biggest professional wins. If you struggle to think of great examples, try doing a Success Inventory, where you “log” your wins, shoutouts, and nice feedback in one place. It helps with confidence and can spark ideas for new additions to your resume/LinkedIn profile. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, look for this subject line in your inbox: Trick to talk about your achievements [TEMPLATE] in case you haven’t started filling yours in already. If you’re not subscribed but want the template, send me a message or comment “template,” and I will happily forward it to you via email. 3) Practice To truly get better at “selling yourself,” you have to practice out loud. Feel awkward and stumble during practice, not in a real interview. Practice will allow you to refine and adjust so you can be more self-promotional but still sound like YOU. By implementing these tips, over time, you’ll start feeling less and less dread when it comes to self-promotion. You don’t have to love this skill in order to use it to your advantage when you need it. If you’ve tried most of these and still struggle, send me a message. I’d love to help. : )

Bad bosses don't just make your current job a living hell. They're silent career assasins. I was speaking with a talented startup PM. Her story reveals a brutal truth about bad leadership. She left her previous startup because of a founder who... • Slashed her pay without warning • Rewrote her job description without consultation • Crushed her professional growth She left. But... she didn't leave everything behind. The experience led to a vicious downward spiral. 🌀 Her confidence in her abilities was damaged. 🌀 Low confidence led to poor interview performance. 🌀 Poor interview performance led to rejections. 🌀 Rejections led to casting a wider net. 🌀 A wider net led to less excitement about the roles. 🌀 Lack of role excitement led to more rejection. 🌀 The long job search led to financial stress. 🌀 Financial stress worsened performance in interviews. 🌀 More rejection, more stress, lower confidence Down and down the spiral goes. All because she started the search with a lack of confidence from a bad boss and a bad job. Here's the thing... Confident people land jobs. So... You've got to snap yourself out of the confidence slump. Here's how to rebuild when a toxic boss has bankrupted your professional confidence: 1️⃣ Ressurection Through Testimonials • Connect with colleagues who've seen you shine. • Request video recommendations • Use these as confidence fuel • Use them as networking ammunition 2️⃣ Your Achievement Altar • Document every professional victory • Display your highlight reel prominently • Let your past success speak louder than past pain 3️⃣ Ruthless Preparation • Mock interviews are your training ground • Invest in coaching • Transform nervousness into expertise 4️⃣ Community as a Confidence Catalyst • Surround yourself with ambitious job seekers • Share struggles, exchange strategies • Realize you're not alone 5️⃣ Personal Brand Reconstruction • Professional headshots • Killer LinkedIn design • Showcase impact, not just responsibilities Confidence isn't given. It's built, brick by brick. What's your confidence rebuilding strategy? Drop it in the comments👇 ------ If you like this, follow me, Kyle Thomas, for more. Like getting startup job search tips? Give this post a 👍 ♻ Share this to help startup job seekers find a new role.

I've interviewed 150+ job candidates, here's what I've learned. About 90% of them were qualified. About 15% of them actually interviewed well. About 5% of them got the job. The problem for the ones that didn't get the job? - They were unprepared - They lacked confidence Most people prep by researching the company, but that's not enough. Research will not give you confidence. A lot of people assume that people are born confident, but that's not true. Confidence is learned by doing things you're scared of and slowly figuring them out. The best candidates I met had actually PRACTICED for their interviews. It's embarrassing and scary to practice for your interviews, but it's what will actually make a difference. 👉 HERE'S WHAT TO DO: 1. Setting a timer for 3 minutes 2. Google "10 most common interview questions" 3. Practice your answer to the question 5 times in a row 4. Move on to the next question and repeat You'll be amazed at the progress you'll make in even 30 minutes. So remember, confidence is not something you have or don't have. It's learned. 👉 Courage creates confidence. Take that small courageous act and start practicing today. P.S. Do you practice for your interviews? If so, what do you do?

Controversial opinion time! I recently had a conversation with a friend that inspired this post. I sent her a job description I thought she should consider. Her immediate response was, "I don't meet the minimum," - to which I said, "Apply anyway." You see, studies show that women tend to only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the criteria, while men will apply even if they meet just 60%. This isn't just a statistic; it directly reflects how we approach opportunities and measure our capabilities. As Executive Assistants, we're no strangers to wearing multiple hats, juggling tasks that often stretch beyond our job descriptions. Yet, when applying for new roles, many of us fall into the trap of doubting our capabilities, fixated on ticking every box of experience or requirement listed - because at our core, we are "box checkers," queens & kings of thorough work and making sure every obstacle has been handled or avoided. Here's the thing, though: job descriptions are merely wishlists, not rigid checklists. They outline the ideal scenario a hiring manager is looking to find, but the reality is that the perfect candidate doesn't exist. We each bring a unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives that can add unparalleled value to a role—even if we don't meet every "requirement." The key to breaking this cycle? Its confidence. Confidence in your ability to learn, adapt, and conquer challenges, as you've repeatedly done. It's about shifting your mental narrative from "Do I have all the required experience?" to "Can I do this job?" and "Can I do it well?" And more often than not, the answer is a resounding yes. Remember, it's not just about what you've done but how you've done it and your ability to be resilient and do more without experience. That is, after all, how you get the knowledge that is so often sought after. The skills you've honed as an Executive Assistant—problem-solving, adaptability, communication—are invaluable and transferable to many roles and industries. So, to my fellow EAs questioning whether to apply for that role because you don't check every box (or anyone reading this): leap. When you do, please apply with the confidence of someone who knows their worth and is ready to bring their authentic self to the table. #executiveassistants #careergrowthtips #confidencebuilding #jobhuntingtips

I almost didn’t apply for my current role. The job description asked for 8-10 years experience in a client-facing project implementation role. It also listed a BA in finance or business. I have neither. Though I met the other requirements (strong organization skills, flexibility, ability to work closely with a team), and they “preferred bilingual,” which I always jump at, I hesitated. I knew that I could translate my varied experience in other roles to the 8-10 years of experience they were looking for. AND, I know the statistics of men vs women applying for jobs. 🎤 (Men will apply if they meet 60% of the requirements; women don’t apply unless they meet 100%. Women apply for 20% fewer jobs than men.) I told myself, "A man with my exact experience would definitely apply." Also, I was in various stages of interviews at multiple companies. I knew I shouldn’t stop applying. This was the 2nd to last job I would apply for, and I almost let doubt stop me. So, despite not meeting the first two bullet points, and despite never having held the title of "Project manager,” I sent in my Project Manager-focused resume, and it got me an interview. ✔ My resume got me the interview, 👉 And then it was up to me to show the value I would bring to the company. ✔ I showcased my confidence in my project management skills during all 3 interviews. My personality and attitude (according to my recruiter) were an important part of why they continued to consider me as a candidate. ✔ Confidence in myself and my value-add was key. ✔ I didn't let Imposter Syndrome get in the way. Now I have a job that I almost didn't apply for, At a company I am super excited to be a part of. And I bring value every day. 👉 Don't let doubt talk you out of your next steps.  👉 Be confident in yourself and your abilities. Is your value clear on your LinkedIn? On your resume? PS: What value do YOU bring to the table? #projectmanagement #transitioningteachers #careerpivot

When I was in HR, I saw a difference in the general approach between men and women when they were interested in a job posting. So often, highly qualified women would reach out and tell me how exciting the role looked to them but were concerned about applying because they didn’t meet every single point of listed criteria. They worried they needed more experience, another certificate or more schooling. Many of the men who were interested just simply went on and applied or asked me “who they needed to talk to” to pursue the open role. As someone who used to write job descriptions and oversaw lots of hiring decisions, I can tell you: 1) Many times the qualifications list are the ideal case scenario and 2) SOOO many amazing leaders were hired who met just half of the qualifications list because they had so much energy, willingness to learn and potential to offer. Stop self-rejecting for opportunities that light you up. You can apply for the role while also feeling doubt! Confidence is the side effect of taking action. #womenleaders #leadershipdevelopment #careers #confidence #salarynegotiation

If you have MAJOR Interview Anxiety, the following tips will help you: During my job search, even after giving 40 interviews, I was still anxious as to what would happen in the next one. If you face something similar, believe me, you are not alone. After struggling with Interview Anxiety for a long time, I was able to come up with a solid set of techniques that highly boosted my confidence in the interviews I gave towards the end of my job search process. The following tips will not just help you survive but thrive in your next interview. Here it goes: 1. Research the company: For an interviewer, one of the biggest pet peeves is candidates who don't know anything about the job or the company. You must know the role inside out and understand their culture. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also show the interviewer that you're serious about joining their team! 2. STAR Method: This is the secret sauce of acing job interviews. The STAR method is a structured approach for answering behavioral interview questions. It involves describing a Situation, Task, Action, and Result to showcase your skills and experiences effectively, providing a clear and concise response. 3. Mock Interviews: Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend, or a mentor, or even talk to yourself in front of a mirror. Practice common questions, refine your answers, and get comfortable expressing your achievements and experiences. This will help you live the interview in advance and be your biggest confidence booster. 4. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know the answer: Interviewers don't expect candidates to know the answer to every question. If you don't know, say you don't, but also ask the interviewer to explain the solution and write it down. This shows you are earnest and willing to learn when needed. 5. Relax: This is always easier said than done but do your best. Take a moment to breathe, smile, and exude confidence. Remember, the interviewer wants you to succeed. Embrace the excitement and let your authentic self shine through! You've got this! Lastly, I know that the market is terrible and the lay-offs are at a peak high, yet you are not alone. There are thousands more going through the same emotions as you. Believe me, if you are looking for a job right now, the right job is looking for you too. It is only a matter of time before striking the right opportunity. Trust in your preparation, showcase your unique value and soon you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job. May your next interview be the stepping stone to an incredible new chapter! P.S: If you find the above techniques useful, check out my other articles for proven tips to succeed in your job search process!

Are you a person who’s not comfortable self promoting - does it feel like boasting, too sales-y, and that’s never been your style? We have to talk… Whether you’re in a job search or happily employed, being able to own your professional achievements and then confidently talk about them is not up for grabs. This is essential to succeed in a job search, and a key for career development. If you’re feeling broken after a job loss, or if it’s been awhile since you’ve felt valued at work, it might seem impossible to sing your own praises. But, actually, it’s the best time. Here's how to get started: Challenge yourself to come up with just one achievement, and then document it, bullet by bullet point - with all the granular detail of what it took to get there, and the impact it had on your workplace. And from those bullets, you’ll begin to construct a winning professional story. Communicating successes is one of your key roles during a job search, and once you land, it will continue to be a strategy for advancement. #CommunicateSuccess #JobSearchTips #CareerDevelopment

Day 8 – 5 Steps toward Embracing and Overcoming Your Fears Today we are going to address an often-overlooked aspect of job searching and career transition: facing personal fears. The problem is that when we avoid acknowledging our fears or taking time to address them, they will show up in an interview, the day an application must be turned in, or the first day at the new job. Fear is inevitable during a period of change. That is why, the sooner you are able to recognize and turn your fears into fuel, the sooner you will be able to start achieving your goals. Step 1: Acknowledge Your Fears - It's completely natural to feel fear during times of change. Whether it's the fear of rejection, the unknown, or even the fear of success, these feelings are valid and more common than you might think. Remember, acknowledging your fears is not a sign of weakness, but a brave first step towards conquering them. Take Action! Sometime today, set a timer for 5-10 minutes and write down every doubt or fear that you have in your head about your career transition. Step 2: Reframe Your Perspective - Instead of viewing your fears as roadblocks, try to see them as opportunities for growth. Each application, interview, or networking event is a chance to learn something new, regardless of the outcome. Every successful person has faced rejection, disappointment or failure at some point in their journey. How can you use those fears to fuel your actions and build your momentum each day? (Come back tomorrow to learn how to manage your mindset with self-coaching.) Step 3: Set Realistic Goals - Breaking down your career transition into smaller, achievable goals will make the process less daunting. Your accomplishments, no matter how small, will start to build your confidence and momentum. One tool that is extremely effective at helping with this step is a Career Development Plan. (More on that later this week.) Step 4: Embrace the Discomfort Zone - The greatest personal and professional growth usually happens outside our comfort zones. Embracing challenges and new experiences is integral to your career journey. If you don't step out of your comfort zone, it’s unlikely that you will ever experience the immeasurable success you could be designing for yourself. Step 5: Connect with Others - You are not alone in this journey. Reach out to your network, mentors, or a coach. Sometimes, just talking about your fears can diminish their power. Plus, you might be surprised at how many people have faced similar challenges and can offer valuable advice and support. Unless you are in mortal danger, fear is caused by the thoughts you assign to your current circumstances based on your previous experiences and doubts. When you learn to change your thoughts and take action, you can change your life. Your past does not have to define your future. Are you ready to design your future? #JobSearch #CareerTransition #OvercomingFears #CareerWiseGrowth #Day8