Former trial attorney Heather Hansen shares valuable tips on advocating for yourself as a job seeker, including conveying your potential, discussing weaknesses, and answering unexpected interview questions. She also highlights the importance of finding passion, building self-confidence, and self-advocacy in various aspects of life.
Believe in yourself to establish credibility and tailor messages effectively during job searches.
Identify passion, transferable skills, and set overarching career goals for successful career transitions.
Deep dives
The Art of Personal Advocacy in the Job Search Process
Advocating for yourself in a competitive job market can be challenging. Heather Hansen, a seasoned trial attorney, highlights the key steps in personal advocacy during job searches. Starting with self-belief is crucial as it forms the foundation for credibility. Understanding your audience, or 'jury,' plays a vital role in tailoring your message effectively. Hansen emphasizes a belief triangle that focuses on demonstrating how you can help others, not just your qualifications.
Building Transferable Skills and Career Progression
Hansen discusses the importance of finding passion and taking incremental steps in career transitions. Recognizing transferable skills from diverse experiences, like waitressing, can enhance one's profile. Emphasizing a mission or overarching goal in career choices enables individuals to explore different avenues that align with their values and interests.
Advocating Effectively Through Resumes and Interviews
Heather Hansen underlines the significance of crafting impactful resumes and cover letters specific to the job and organization. Advocacy extends to interviews by maintaining a curious and prepared mindset. In interviews, translating facts into evidence and stories into proof enhances credibility. Handling unexpected questions involves a strategic approach, acknowledging gaps, and redirecting the conversation to relevant themes.
On today’s episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn Editor Andrew Seaman sits down with Heather Hansen, a former trial attorney and personal advocacy expert. Heather shares tips for conveying your potential as a job applicant, discussing your professional weaknesses and answering unexpected questions during interviews. She also discusses how to find your passion and build self-confidence during the job-search process.
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