As a follow-up to Monday’s post on writing a resume with your missions experience, we figured we’d also tackle the matter of the job interview.
Nobody likes interviewing for a job. It’s nerve-wracking, and too often it feels like you have to brag or sell yourself like a product. On top of that, many missionaries who have been on the field for several years feel like they’ve been out of the game for too long, and don’t know what recruiters or interviewers may expect. If this describes you, please know that you’re not alone.
Before we get into our list, I want to reassure you of two things. First, that if you’ve got to this stage, it means that you’ve already beat out a lot of other people. Recruiters usually get dozens or even hundreds of applications for open jobs, and will usually only interview about a dozen candidates. If they’ve agreed to interview you, you already have a real shot at being offered the job.
Second, I want you to know that you are qualified. If you’ve done your research into the job and any part of it looks like something you’ve done in the past, then you can do it now. The fact that you haven’t done exactly what they’re describing doesn’t disqualify you from the position. You have honed your skills on the field in myriad ways, and this interview is your opportunity to show how your past experience equips you to do this job with gusto.
Again, thanks to my job-hunting mentor, Emily Jones, for teaching me all of this a while back. OK folks, here we go: Life After Missions’ list of ways to ace an interview.
Life After Missions 