Whether winning over a hiring manager or winning new business, career success often hinges on how we communicate. That’s why Andrew Seaman is on a mission to help people find the words that work — to get work.
Seaman is the senior managing editor for jobs and career development at LinkedIn, and as the creator and host of the Get Hired podcast and newsletter, he helps millions hone communication skills to land the jobs they want. According to him, getting opportunities isn’t just about experience or connections, but how we frame and present our personal and professional narratives. With a standard resume, he says, “You're making them connect the dots. And people are not good at that.” Instead, he recommends crafting a story that explains where you’ve been, where you are, and where you hope to go. “Connect the dots for them,” he says, “so they're not viewing you as a person who has bounced around. They're thinking, this person has had a cohesive career.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seaman and host Matt Abrahams explore tools for navigating the interview process, networking on and offline, and communication strategies to get hired.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn.
(00:00:57) Importance of Online Presence
The significance of maintaining an online presence and tips on optimizing LinkedIn profiles.
(00:01:52) Posting on LinkedIn
The frequency and type of posts on LinkedIn, balancing professional and personal content.
(00:03:41) Commenting vs. Posting
Advice on adding value through comments and engaging with posts.
(00:05:12) Interview Presence
The importance of presence in interviews, sharing examples of making good and bad impressions.
(00:06:59) Recovering from Bad Impressions
The challenges and possibilities of recovering from a poor first impression in an interview setting.
(00:07:48) Interviewing from the Interviewer's Perspective
Tips for hiring managers on how to conduct effective interviews and evaluate candidates.
(00:10:25) Challenging Interview Questions
The appropriateness and benefits of challenging candidates during interviews to assess their fit and preparedness.
(00:11:44) Best Practices for Interviewees
Strategies for interviewees to prepare and effectively answer questions, using the ADD method.
(00:13:58) Handling Spontaneity in Interviews
Preparing for interviews when time is limited and the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
(00:17:17) Following Up After Interviews
Best practices for following up after an interview to leave a positive impression.
(00:19:43) Broader Career Advice
Leveraging online communities and tools for career growth, emphasizing networking.
(00:22:14) The Final Three Questions
Andrew shares his favorite response to an interview question, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.
(00:25:31) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:40) - Importance of Online Presence
- (02:35) - Posting on LinkedIn
- (04:24) - Commenting vs. Posting
- (05:55) - Interview Presence
- (07:42) - Recovering from Bad Impressions
- (08:31) - Interviewing from the Interviewer's Perspective
- (11:08) - Challenging Interview Questions
- (12:27) - Best Practices for Interviewees
- (14:41) - Handling Spontaneity in Interviews
- (18:00) - Following Up After Interviews
- (20:26) - Broader Career Advice
- (22:57) - The Final Three Questions
- (26:14) - Conclusion
