Susan Boyle of Scotland stunned “Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) judges on April 11th and became an Internet phenomenon.
When Susan walked out on that stage and started responding to lead interviewer (Simon Cowell) questions, nobody thought Susan had any talent. Susan was 47 years old, unemployed, unattractive and applying for a job she appeared to have no qualifications for. Yet she was actually very prepared, confident and knew she had the talent to succeed. In fact she was the only person who believed she had talent to be a professional singer. Before going on stage she said “I’m going to make that audience rock!” and she did.
Susan was trying to become a professional singer. Her audition gave her the chance to prove she had the talent. Her audition, like every job interview, gives you the chance to prove you have the talent for the job.
Interviewers are judges who rapidly form opinions about your abilities. Interviewees falsely believe they have no control, but in reality, job applicants have substantial control over the interviewers’ opinion. Your words, conduct and presentation are the primary factors that influence the interviewers’ assessment of your talents.
What 3 things has Susan Boyle taught us above job interviews?
1. Providing proof of your talents can change interviewer opinion instantly
Susan changed the opinions of 3 judges, 4,000 audience members and millions of TV viewers instantly. She accomplished this by providing compelling proof of her talent.
During your interviews, your judges (interviewers) will ask you to provide proof of your talent by asking about your previous experience. This is your opportunity to provide evidence of your talent by describing situations when you demonstrated the talents they are seeking.
To prepare to prove your talents try the following:
- Make a list of the talents required for the specific position. You can identify the requirements from the job description or job posting.
- For each required talent, list the experience (proof) you will discuss that demonstrates your talent for the position. You can supplement your responses with visual aids like performance reviews, letters of recognition, awards and work samples to help communicate your abilities.
2. Preparation is everything when your future is on the line
Before Susan Boyle walked on stage, she was totally prepared to perform at her very best when the time was right. She practiced singing “I dreamed a dream” many times before she performed on that stage. She did not leave her performance to chance, luck or the skill of the judges. She was in total control of herself and delivered a stunning performance.
To prepare for your next interview, practice your response to interview questions.
- Make a list of the interview questions you expect and the questions you fear.
- Have 2 friends interview you so you can practice responding to a live person. This ensures you are prepared, confident and comfortable answering interviewer questions.
- Learn the right way to respond to interviewer questions by using a career coach or by trying online resources like Interview Mastery.
3. Volunteer Experience Matters
The only singing experience Susan Boyle had was through volunteering. Even though she did not get paid to sing voluntarily, it provided the experience she needed to develop her talent.
Your volunteer experience may also provide proof of talents you possess that are applicable to the jobs where you are applying.
To prepare for your next interview, ask yourself the following questions:
- What compelling evidence will I present that proves I have the talent required?
- What volunteer experience have I overlooked that may provide compelling proof of my talents?
Job interviews are the most important moments in your career. The quality and stability of your career depends on your job interview skills. The most qualified applicant rarely gets hired. It is the person who interviews the best.
Good luck on your next interview. You are going to be awesome during your next job interview.
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