Become the Hero of Your Own Career: Lessons from Recent Blockbusters

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “I wish I had that character’s confidence”? You’re not alone. These movie magic moments might be more valuable to your career than you’d think. Today’s evolving workplace is about resilience, innovation, and adaptation—the qualities we admire in our favorite cinematic heroes.

Why Movie Characters Resonate So Deeply

Who has yet to want Tony Stark’s vision or Wonder Woman’s presence? Sure, movies are fiction, but these characters’ qualities are worth emulating in real life. Studies show we’re 65% more likely to retain career lessons when they come wrapped in a story. Think about it: are you more likely to remember a PowerPoint on leadership principles or a gripping story where a character conquers complex challenges?

Movies hit a sweet spot by combining visuals with emotions. When engrossed in a character’s journey, you experience their decisions and learn from the outcome. This connection lasts longer and resonates more than traditional learning methods.

Take Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada—watching her navigate high-stakes workplace dynamics teaches us as much about professional boundaries and expectations as any management seminar could. Movies help us internalize these lessons in a way that sticks.

Identifying Your Career Archetype Through Modern Characters

Have you ever wondered why certain movie characters resonate so deeply with you? It might be because they represent a version of your professional archetype, tapping into qualities you aspire to embody or already possess. These archetypes reveal your strengths, values, and even areas for growth.

As a child, I was always drawn to Wonder Woman. There was something magnetic about her courage, her compassion, and her commitment to justice that inspired me. And as I reflect on my own journey today, I realize that my purpose, values, and the work I do through Be Productive Coaching align strongly with Wonder Woman’s archetype.

Wonder Woman exemplifies the Purpose-Driven Leader—a leader who serves with compassion and whose decisions are guided by deeply held values. She shows us that leadership isn’t about personal glory; it’s about using our strengths to elevate and protect others. Here are some of the core qualities Wonder Woman brings to her role that align with this archetype:

Empathy and Strength: She blends courage and compassion, a hallmark of leaders who inspire loyalty and trust. True strength comes from balancing power with empathy, showing us that connection with others drives meaningful leadership.

Courage in Adversity: Wonder Woman faces challenges with bravery, reminding us that resilience is essential in leadership. She teaches us to challenge norms and make courageous choices even when the path isn’t easy.

Empowerment of Others: Finally, her purpose-driven approach isn’t only about leading from the front. Wonder Woman inspires others to see their potential, empowering them to stand up for their beliefs and goals. Her leadership is unifying, and she shows us that success lies in fostering a supportive, empowered community.

As I guide my clients, Wonder Woman’s influence reminds me that true leadership means staying true to our values, inspiring collective growth, and making choices that impact people’s lives positively. Her character is a great reminder that when we lead with purpose, we create lasting change that goes beyond individual success.

Here are just a few other examples:

The Innovation Pioneer—think Tony Stark. Pioneers see potential, whereas others see dead ends. These professionals don’t just dream; they make things happen, turning ideas into reality. Stark’s evolution from weapons designer to clean-energy innovator shows that true impact doesn’t come just from fresh ideas but from the courage to reinvent.

The Team Catalyst—like Black Panther’s T’Challa, they know leadership isn’t about power but about empowering others. Their talent lies in uniting diverse perspectives, showing us that success depends on team strength rather than solo brilliance.

The Strategic Adapter—Hermione Granger, for instance. These pros thrive on solving complex puzzles and are incredibly resilient under pressure. Her adaptability shows us that quick thinking and resourcefulness are often more valuable than pure talent.

What Unlikely Heroes Can Teach Us About Leadership

In Ratatouille, a rat becomes Paris’s top chef. This isn’t just a cute story; it’s a lesson in adaptive leadership. Remy doesn’t try to be someone he’s not—he finds unique ways to demonstrate his value. Adaptive leadership is about applying your strengths creatively, not conforming to the norm.

Transformational moments in our careers don’t always arrive with fanfare. In The Intern, Robert De Niro’s character bridges generational gaps with his perspective, reminding us that growth can come from blending wisdom with openness to new ideas.

Bringing the Modern Workplace to the Big Screen

Blockbusters are surprisingly insightful about today’s work environment. The Social Network captures the intense pace and creative demands of startup culture, while The Intern delves into the nuances of a multi-generational workplace. These films highlight that navigating the modern workplace isn’t just about using tech effectively—it’s about understanding how it changes human dynamics. They also address work-life integration, challenging us to find meaning beyond success and helping us define healthy boundaries.

Become the Main Character in Your Career Story

Ready to be the hero of your career? Start by defining your character arc. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? Identify obstacles, and remember: though you may not save the world, you strive to create a life and career that resonate with your values and goals.

Your story needs a supporting cast, too. Every hero has a trusted mentor. Who in your life can guide you, just as Nick Fury does for the Avengers? Seek out mentors who can offer perspective and build a support system.

Finally, document your journey. Every lesson learned and success achieved are chapters in your career story—one that you’ll look back on with pride.

The Future Workplace: Tomorrow’s Heroes in Today’s Movies

Today’s blockbuster heroes give us a glimpse into the future of work. They’re tech-savvy, global-minded, and human-centered. Success in the future will mean balancing digital expertise with emotional intelligence, just as these heroes do. They show us that career sustainability isn’t about resisting change but embracing it while staying true to our values.

Uncover Your Career Hero with Be Productive Coaching

At Be Productive Coaching, we believe every professional can be the hero of their career. Like Q for James Bond, we provide the tools and insights to turn movie-inspired lessons into real-world success. 

Want to start your own blockbuster journey? Contact us to learn how we can help you craft the next chapter of your professional story.

Networking Made Easy: How to Connect with Confidence and Purpose

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water at a networking event? You’re not alone. For many professionals, the mere thought of networking can trigger a cold sweat. But what if I told you that networking could be painless, enjoyable, and incredibly rewarding? Welcome to your guide on “Networking Made Easy: How to Connect with Confidence and Purpose.”

The Art of Purposeful Connections

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards like Pokémon. It’s about cultivating meaningful professional relationships that can take your career to new heights. But before you sink in, let’s lay the groundwork:

• Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve? Who do you want to meet? Having a roadmap turns networking from a vague concept into a purposeful mission.
• Embrace a Growth Mindset: Every interaction is a chance to learn. That awkward silence? It’s just an opportunity in disguise.

• Open Your Eyes: Networking opportunities are everywhere – from your morning coffee run to your weekend spin class. Stay alert!

My Networking Journey

I didn’t see myself as a natural networker. In fact, I started my career in sales in 2002 at the Sonesta Beach Resort in Key Biscayne. To be honest, I didn’t see myself as a salesperson either! The only reason I took the position was that the resort’s General Manager recommended it. At the time, I was bored with operations as the Assistant Front Office Manager and wanted to try something new. When I shared this with the GM, he suggested sales. I was surprised by his recommendation, but I trusted his intuition. He believed in me so much that he opened up an opportunity for me as the Small Groups and Corporate Travel Sales Manager. I got the job after applying and interviewing with the Director of Sales and VP of Sales.

A year later, I found myself at my first sales retreat. I’ll never forget it because it was also my first time presenting in front of an audience. Our VP of Sales assigned each of us a topic based on a skill he thought we had perfected, and much to my surprise, he gave me “Networking.” I was caught off guard because, like sales, I hadn’t realized networking was something I was good at. However, after reflecting, I began to see how my networking skills had been naturally developing. I crafted a presentation on networking for my colleagues, which received excellent feedback, and I was proud of how far I’d come.

I realized networking was all about mindset, just like taking the leap into sales. To apply for the sales position, I had to let go of my judgment about what sales was. Likewise, for networking, I had to stop thinking of it as something scary. The fear dissolved once I reframed my approach and realized that everyone was there with a similar goal – to network and build relationships that lead to business.

Confidence: Your Secret Weapon

Feeling jittery about putting yourself out there? Try these confidence boosters:

• Craft Your Elevator Pitch: Think of it as your professional theme song. It should be short, catchy, and uniquely you.
• Body Language Hacks: Stand tall, smile genuinely, and offer a firm handshake. This is the only time I will tell you to fake it ’til you make it – your body can trick your brain into feeling more confident.
• Introvert’s Toolkit: If large crowds make you sweat, seek one-on-one conversations. Quality trumps quantity every time.

The Quality Over Quantity Approach

In the age of social media, it’s easy to equate success with a high follower count. But networking is all about quality connections. Here’s how to make them:

• Be Genuinely Curious: Ask thoughtful questions. People love talking about themselves – give them the spotlight.
• Listen Like Your Career Depends on It: Because it might. Active listening is a superpower in networking.
• Give Before You Take: Offer value without expecting immediate returns. It’s the long game that pays off.

Mastering the Networking Dance

Now that you’re ready to mingle, let’s polish those skills:

• Icebreakers That Work: Forget “Nice weather, huh?” Try “What’s the most exciting project you’re working on now?”
• Navigate Events Like a Pro: Set goals for meaningful conversations, not just hands shaken. Quality over quantity, remember?
• Follow-Up Finesse: Send a personalized email within 48 hours. This is the most critical step! Reference your conversation and suggest a concrete next step. Remember that most people will not follow up, so this is an excellent way to set yourself apart.

Tech-Savvy Networking

Welcome to Networking 2.0:

• LinkedIn Makeover: Your profile is your digital handshake. Make it firm and memorable. If you’re unsure how to do this, check out our other blogs, which offer great branding tips.
• Social Media Strategy: Each platform is a networking goldmine. Choose your playground: Twitter chats, Instagram stories, Facebook groups. Personally, I stick to LinkedIn.
• Virtual Networking Mastery: With remote work on the rise, perfect your “virtual handshake” and Zoom etiquette. If you’re not sure how to do it, let’s chat!

Measure, Reflect, Improve

Like any skill, networking gets better with practice and reflection:

• Set Networking Metrics: Track new connections, follow-up rates, and opportunities generated. What is measured is managed.
• Quality Check: Regularly assess your network. Are these connections aligned with your goals?
• Continuous Improvement: Seek feedback, reflect on interactions, and stay updated on networking trends.

From Contacts to Opportunities

The ultimate goal? Turning the connections into career opportunities.

• Keep Contacts Warm: Regular check-ins and updates keep you at the top of their mind. Make sure to keep these meaningful.
• Be a Giver. The more you help others, the more likely they are to think of you when opportunities arise.
• Clear Communication: When seeking opportunities, be specific about what you want.

Your Next Opportunity is Just a Handshake Away – Let’s Prepare Together!

Networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room or having the most LinkedIn connections. It’s about building genuine relationships, adding value to others’ lives, and strategically growing your professional circle. With these tools, you can transform networking from a necessary evil into your secret career superpower.

Remember, every great connection starts with a single “Hello.” So, take a deep breath, put on your most approachable smile, and get out there. Your next game-changing opportunity might be just a handshake away.

Ready to improve your networking skills? At Be Productive Coaching, we offer personalized strategies to supercharge your professional connections. Contact us today and watch your network and career soar.

 

At the beginning of the pandemic and quarantine, I turned to some of my favorite comfort foods to relieve stress. The Puerto Rican dishes that I love and grew up eating. My first dish on Mar 28th was my Abuela’s Puerto Rican-style bacalao con verduras (cod-fish with starchy root vegetables). Such a simple dish, yet it’s one of my favorites. It takes me back to my childhood when I was growing up in Puerto Rico and would visit my Abuela and family. It’s funny how, in times of stress, we turn to what comforts us. In my case, I find comfort in a delicious meal, and during COVID-19, I found myself going back to my roots.

Soon after, in early April, I learned that my Abuelo tested positive for COVID-19. During that time, I caught myself thinking about my family and my childhood. Although I was born in Miami, and my parents moved to Connecticut in their teens, our Puerto Rican roots were deep. We moved back to the Island when I was a baby, and for the first seven years of my life, I grew up between la playa in Dorado and el campo in Comerio. I probably fit most stereotypes of a Puerto Rican woman. I am bilingual, friendly, hospitable, and very expressive. I am catholic, family means the world to me, I love my Puerto Rican dishes, a good party, and can dance salsa with the best of them. I have always been incredibly proud of my heritage and loved everything about it. But as an adult, I realize that I have not celebrated my heritage or female empowerment.

Thinking back to my adulthood, I have never put myself in a box. I do not recall ever thinking that I was held back because I was Latina or a woman. When I was looking to re-brand my company Be Productive Coaching, I started taking some personal branding classes to get to know myself. These classes led me to reflect on my career and who I am as a person. Although incredibly proud of my heritage, I recognized that I did things to avoid being stereotyped as a “typical” Puerto Rican woman.

Starting my career at 15, I rose quickly, becoming a supervisor by 18 and a Director of Sales and Marketing soon after. I remember dressing conservatively for a long time, not wearing tight clothes, plunging necklines, flashy jewelry, and nail polish. As a woman, I did not want people to think that I was getting my promotions by using my sexuality as a young woman.

I alienated myself subconsciously from my Latin culture, female empowerment, and my own persona, not wanting to categorize myself. I also distanced myself from female friendships because having experienced the competition that often comes from girls while growing up, I frequently felt a cattiness or judgment by women in the workplace. 

This started to change in 2006 when I moved to the neighborhood where I live today. After meeting a group of women with careers & lives filled with experience and success, I felt welcomed into their group. For the first time, I belonged to an all-women group and loved it. As the years went by, I started to form stronger friendships with women. As an entrepreneur in 2013, in the words of Helen Keller, I realized that “Alone we could do so little; together, we can do so much.” I was going through a career change & divorce, and for the first time in my life, I turned to other women for support and guidance. These friendships and being an entrepreneur have taught me a lot, and most importantly, it has taught me that we need to support each other.

This year, I am proud to be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. I am taking this opportunity to celebrate not only our heritage but also our women. I am doing this because I have learned through my journey that supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and women are essential for our communities’ betterment. We should endorse and lift each other as much as possible. That’s why I am excited to highlight these 30 amazing Latinas. 

The inspiration for this project came from a movement that Lilliana Vazquez, Emmy Winning Host, TV Personality, Style Expert & Author and Erika Hernandez, Co-Founder & President of Latina Made Not Maid brought to their Instagram communities. On Aug 31st, Lilliana went to her Instagram to discuss “Why the September cover of Cosmopolitan Mexico is so problematic!” and Erika participated in this conversation. Erika also started a trend where she posted her very own CosmoMX cover and invited her community to do the same, so I joined! #letsgetlatinxloud 

 

 

Be Productive’s #hispanicheritagemonth “30 Powerful Latina Trailblazers” came shortly after I posted my CosmopolitanMX cover. I decided to do my part to empower the powerful Latinas in my life and celebrate our heritage at the same time. In a very Be Productive way, I got to work!

I have chosen these 30 Powerful Latina Trailblazers carefully as they are experts in their related fields. As a Career Strategist and Coach, my mission is to help people utilize their natural talents to do exciting and fulfilling work. The Latinas that I introduced to you this week are all passionate and doing work that they love.

I want everyone to share these stories of inspiration to anyone that would benefit from hearing them. Sharing these stories will inspire and motivate men and women alike to support one another, follow their dreams, and do what they love.

For me, when COVID struck in March, I was uncertain about the future, just like everyone else. After a week or so, I said, “Wow, I finally have time to catch up on unfinished projects.” I launched my re-brand and a new website on Apr 15th. After speaking with my Hubby, I decided to take some risks and hired social media and sales coordinators. Most importantly, I did not focus on how BAD things were. Instead, I thought to myself, “The Future Is Bright!”

Each of the women was asked to tell us how they have stayed productive, positive and maintained their life balance in 2020. They’ve shared some great quotes and life lessons. If you missed my earlier posts, visit my Be Productive Coaching Blog at https://beproductivecoaching.com/blog-2 to read the full responses about their incredible 2020 journey.

Let’s take one last look at these amazing women.

 

#latinxheritagemonth #latinatrailblazers #femaleleaders #juntassomosmasfuertes #letsgetlatinxloudion

 

I am proud to be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month for the first time ever. I am taking this opportunity to celebrate not only our heritage but also our women.

I am doing this because I have learned through my journey that supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and women, is essential. We should endorse and lift each other as much as possible, and that’s why I am taking this opportunity to highlight 30 amazing Latinas of which I am proud to be a part of. 

I have chosen these 30 Powerful Latina Trailblazers carefully as they are experts in their related fields. As a Career Strategist and Coach, my mission is to help people utilize their natural talents to do exciting and fulfilling work. The Latina’s that I am introducing to you this week have all accomplished this successfully. 

I hope that this project is shared within the community and that it will inspire and motivate other Latinx women to support one another, follow their dreams, and do what they love.

Today, I introduce to you the first ten of the 30 Powerful Latina Trailblazers.

Each of the women were asked to tell us how they have stayed productive, positive, and maintained their life balance in 2020. They’ve shared some amazing quotes and life lessons which I am sure you will enjoy.

Be sure to check in again tomorrow and Thursday as I’ll be introducing you to the other 20, and on Friday I have a special blog post that includes my 2020 journey and why I decided to take on this project.

Cheers,

Vimari

#hispanicheritagemonth #latinx #latinas

I am a forever student; from the time I was a little girl, I played school because I love learning new things, challenges, and tasks. My mom taught me to never settle and never stop learning, so when the studio shut down, I had to learn quickly how to recreate my own in-home studio. The show must go on, as they say, and I wasn’t going to stop bringing my community the best content just because of a little social distancing! I studied and learned to take another utterly different role than anything that I’ve done before. I consider myself a forever student of the industry. I learned how to be the director, lighting, and sound and had test shoots during my weekends before having the opportunity to have a dual role as producer and host for E!’s newest show, Pop on Peacock! I’ve been grinding in the hustle for 10 years, and 2020 hasn’t been any different.

I can’t say that I have a life balance, but I can say that I have reckoning priorities. My relationships with family and my brother are significant to me. I’ve re-prioritized what I value and things that are really important to me: my family and my community. Perhaps my priorities before 2020 were a bit out of order because of my hustle mentality. Still, I know that I am coming out of this year as a better human being. I’ve always been fueled by passion and advocacy but had no time to take steps forward. But now I have no excuse, and my advocacy is as important to me as anything on TV. Visit her website at: https://www.lillianavazquez.com/ Follow on IG: @lillianavazquez

Well for me 2020 has been a real roller-coaster! I have gone through some things in previous years that I thought were roller-coasters but by far, like many of us, it has been a year of a lot of change, a lot of getting used to, and In my specific case –  a year of loss.  I lost my grandmother earlier this year due to COVID-19, I lost my any sense of privacy or alone time, now that my children are homeschooling, and I lost my job last month.

After I lost my job it gave me the opportunity to focus on “Latina Made not Maid” 100%. To the point where I am 100% invested and film TikTok videos every day. It’s given me the opportunity to invest in the appearance of the brand and the message that I wanted to send out to the world. Which is the message that we need to change the Latina narrative and the message that we have been hearing or that has been told to us for so long. I also had the opportunity to start a business where I can help multi-cultural women to start and scale their own business. 

Again, 2020 has been a roller-coaster but it’s been a blessing in disguised.

As far as balance, I have been able to do more self-care. I’ve been able to nap when I want to nap if I feel that I am burned out or just devote 45 min to an hour to giving myself an at-home facial or pedicure. Just the simple little things that we oftentimes say we do not have the time to do. I have been able to step back every once in a while to just be good to myself. Follow on IG: @lifebyerika @latinamadenotmaid @latinamadellc

Este año 2020 ha sido un año de transformación. Me he mantenido productiva haciendo mucho ejercicio, yoga, y meditación todos los días con el amanecer. Tengo un grupo de amigos que hacemos este ritual todos los días. El mar también espectacular, es como mi medio de sanación entonces ha sido impresionante la conexión pues que tengo con el mar por ser San Adrésana, entonces pues eso me ha mantenido. Y bueno la conexión con mi familia también. Dedicarme más tiempo a mi… saber que me gusta. Analizar como todo lo que está pasando en el mundo que nos puede ayudar como personas y saber qué pues en mi caso que la familia es todo. A pesar de que yo vivo acá sola pero mis amigos en este caso son mi familia y pues también mantengo el contacto con mi familia. Entonces creo que es un complemento entre ejercitar el cuerpo, el alma y la mente. Follow on IG: @anggiebryan

Pivoting on a few areas of the business but also focused on 2021 projects. As for life balance, I work out as much as time permits sometimes twice daily, and get as much fresh air as possible. Time with my son and dog are my life balance. Follow on IG: @mizzgiles @Soulfrito @latina100summit

Así las cosas en el mundo estén de cabezas, siempre tenemos la opción de elegir como nos queremos sentir. Así que cada mañana cuando me despierto elijo estar contenta y esa acción hace que mi día sea diferente porque me abro a la posibilidad de hacer las cosas desde un lugar amoroso con buena actitud y feliz. Desde que empezamos la cuarentena estoy muy consiente de hacer cosas que me diviertan y mirar las bendiciones que tengo en mi vida que son muchas. No estamos trabajando desde hace 6 meses y no me ha faltado nada para cubrir las necesidades básicas. ¡Eso es ser abundante!

La manera como me he mantenido en balance en estos meses de encierro ha sido estudiando. Aprender de tecnología ha sido muy excitante para mí. Yo veo el 2020 como un año de aprendizaje personal y profesional. Un año de replantearme de lo que es realmente importante en mi vida y lo que es necesario. Ha sido un año de auto observación y de hacer limpieza interna. Quiero simplificar mi vida y sentirme feliz trabajando en servirle al mundo atreves de mi arte. Visit her website at: http://www.claudiacalle.com/ Follow on IG: @claudiacalleart

As a Mompreneur during quarantine season, it can be challenging juggling business + personal life (online homeschool!), that is why I do not believe in balance but in harmony. You see, with harmony, the definition states that it is an order or congruity of parts to their whole or to one another. If you are striving to have balance in your life, then by the definition, you will have to ease up on something or give it up to bring your life in balance. With that being said, I find harmony in life by time blocking, this has kept me productive by focusing on work tasks that need to be achieved by a certain deadline. It also helps me disconnect from work duties and focus my energy on enjoying my kids, my husband, my home, date nights, friends’ time, and my very special me-time every day which includes a morning ritual, meditation, exercising, and a bedtime ritual. By harmonizing my life, I have a positive attitude and can be at peace every day. Follow on IG: @diaryofmissm

In this challenging year, I’ve been able to stay productive, positive, and keep balance in my life by living in the moment and not letting anything really affect me. Setting my priorities has been the most important, as a mother, as a wife, and as a professional. Staying focused and organized has really been a major key to overcoming adversity, not to forget staying calm and enjoying the loving company of my family. We can’t always say it is easy, but we can always be sure it is possible. Feeling blessed to be in this part of my life. Visit her website at: https://www.hazelr.com/ Follow on IG: @hazelphotographers

2020 has been strange, to say the least!! Here a few things that have helped keep me productive, positive, and help keep some sort of balance. 1. Exercise! I’ve tried to exercise at least 4 – 5 times a week! Moving my body helps me stay more energized and helps my mood stay upbeat. Since working from home what I do to motivate me to workout is putting on my workout clothes first thing in the morning that way I’m ready to go at any moment!! 2. Journaling! More than ever emotions and stress are high so I make a point to write and journal as much as I possibly can. The more I put on paper and take out of my brain the clearer I can think! 3. Keeping a routine. This has been the hardest during these difficult times and I’ve had to adjust my routine several times but keeping a routine helps me so much in staying productive and organized. Follow on IG: @beautybyjennyfro

After major anxiety attacks, I had no other option than to change my glasses and see 2020 as an opportunity to reset all areas in my life. It’s a fun experiment – made a long list of all my not-so-healthy coping mechanisms and things in my life that we’re bringing me down – social media, people, alcohol, even services within my company that was not making me happy – And decided to make conscious decisions around them. I cut my social media usage in less than half, I’m not spending my time with people that do not add anything positive to my life, cut alcohol and most of the sugar, and optimized my business model and offerings. It’s not perfect but it’s helping me be productive, positive, and happy! I’m now experimenting with date nights with my husband, we are not going out to dinner we are taking salsa classes! We all have the power to make our lives as fun and balanced as we wanted to, it’s a conscious decision. Visit her website at: http://markofthebuffalo.com/ Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/markofthebuffalo/

It has been an overwhelming year. I try to keep my mind positive and have hope that everything is going to pass, and everything is going to be alright. At the same time, this year has brought me a wake-up call. A call for me to step up and not waste time to be ready for the next year. Follow on IG: @adilyngomez

Most people dread interviews. Wait, let me rephrase that…most people hate interviews. I have heard so many people say that they wish that interviews were not a part of the process. But how else would a potential employer know if you are a good fit? I can certainly understand why you would dread or hate interviewing. Not only are you going in to speak with a stranger about your work experience, but in most cases, you are hoping that they will hire you. Many times the fear of rejection sets in from when you are asked to come in for the interview or jump on that phone or Zoom call.

I like to compare interviewing with dating. Most of us feel a sense of excitement and, at the same time, a sense of anxiety and fear when we are first asked to go on a date. You are excited that you are getting the opportunity to go on a date with someone who interests you and happy that the person has shown interest in you as well. Still, you have no idea what to expect. You start planning what you are going to wear, you may practice your greeting, and these days you may even look them up on Facebook or Google them. You prepare for the date so that you feel more at ease and so that perhaps you can have the opportunity for a second date.

Well, interviewing for a potential job is no different. Just like you prepare or prepared (if you are no longer dating) for that special date, you should also prepare for the interview with your potential employer.

Following are a few tips to help you prepare and stop hating interviews:

• Research the company by getting to know their mission, vision, and any latest news. Check to see if you know anyone who works there and perhaps give them a call to find out what they like about the company.
• Get the name of the person you will be meeting with and look them up on LinkedIn and Google.
• Put a list of at least ten questions that you will ask during the interview.
• Practice! Grab a friend or colleague and ask them to mock interview you. Put together a list of questions and practice, practice, practice.
• Make networking a part of your practice. Reduce your fear of meeting and talking to a stranger by getting out to network. If you cannot network in person, then network on LinkedIn and ask them to join you for coffee or a Zoom call. Speaking to strangers and asking questions to get to know them will improve your conversational skills and reduce the fear that creeps up during interviews.
• Visualize your interview. Work through the questions in your mind and begin to answer questions that may come up. I always recommend practicing the “tell me about yourself questions.”
• Write down what has made you nervous in interviews in the past. Then work through those points to overcome them.
• Make a list of your accomplishments. Everything you are proud of, read it out loud, then read it to a friend and then practice saying it to your friend without the list.
• Find out what the dress code is and take it up a notch and wear something that makes you feel good. Make sure you pull out your outfit and try it on a few days before to make sure it fits well and looks professional.
• Work out! Yes, before going to your interview, do something to move your body. Preferably cardio. Try to take the day off if you can or go in late to work so that you have time to exercise. Get your sweat on and release those endorphins. These endorphins trigger positive feelings and will get you in the right state of mind before the interview.

These tips should help ease the nervousness and anxiety that comes from interviewing. Also, do not forget that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Make sure you ask all the questions you need to determine if this is a good fit for you as well. 

 

 

Need help with interview preparation? A small investment can go a long way in your preparation and help you set yourself apart. Set up a free consultation to learn more about our packages: www.beproductivecoaching.com/contact

Challenges exist when you are in a job search. Nowadays with so many laid off or furloughed the competition is a little tighter which means that you have to be proactive in your job search.

Here are 10 proactive tactics that you can take:

1. Professional Branding Tools: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn are aligned and that the titles, skills, and accomplishments showcased are focused on the jobs that you are applying to. This is #1 – if you don’t already have this then get this step done before you do anything else.
2. Cover Letters: I cannot stress how important these are. Any recruiter or hiring manager can tell you how few cover letters they see. With cover letters being so rare this is a sure way to set yourself apart. Make sure you are adding value by telling them why you would be a good fit, what you love about their company or their mission, and list 3-5 things you would offer in the role you are interested in. Don’t forget to end strong and request a time to meet.
3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Recruiters: Turn on this feature in LinkedIn and include the titles you are interested in to show recruiters that you are open to opportunities. 
4. Turn on Job Notifications on LinkedIn: These will come to you as soon as something is posted so that you can apply immediately.
5. Reach Out Directly: Research recruiters in your industry and reach out to them directly. You can do the same for an HR person or the actual hiring manager. If you cannot find an email then go the old fashioned way and mail them a letter with your resume.
6. Network: Tell at least 5 people a day that you are looking for a job. Enlist your network:
   1. Your family and friends – be clear on what you are looking for: title, companies, tasks
   2. Professional contacts – people you have worked with or know through the industry.
   3. Loose connections – people you are connected to but don’t really know.
7. Make a Short List: Identify companies you would want to work for, make a list, and target them directly even if they do not have an opening. 
8. Find an In: Research if you know anyone at your target companies or know anyone that does. Ask for an introduction. 
9. ATS systems: Complete the questions on the ATS systems even if you are uploading your resume.
10. Be Prepared: You must be ready at all times. Practice your interview with a friend or family member and record yourself if you can. Know what you are going to wear and have a printed copy of your resume. 

Need more assistance or have questions? Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://beproductivecoaching.com/contact/

Have you been stretching? Stretching keeps you balanced and your muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. Without stretching your muscles shorten and become tight. That’s why a daily stretching routine is important and NOT just for your body. It’s just as important to stretch your MIND and SOUL daily.

Here are some tips I practice daily that will stretch your mind, body, and soul to benefit your overall flexibility, strength, and health.

MIND, BODY, AND SOUL STRETCHING Pick One Activity in Each of the Categories and Do It for 10 Minutes Each – Daily:

Body: Yoga or Static Stretching

Mind: Read or Listen to a Book or Podcast, Take a Class, Challenge Yourself by Doing Something New

Soul: Pray, Meditate, Journal, Spend Time With a Loved One

Doing one of these activities daily for 10 minutes will make a huge difference in how you feel and help you stretch not just your body but your mind and soul as well. You’ll have overall health and this is so important now more than ever. Keep yourself healthy mind, body, and soul.

 

Stretch your mind, body, and soul with our High-Performance Coaching. Learn how we can work together – schedule a free consultation: www.beproductivecoaching.com