Month: May 2024

There’s nothing worse than preparing for a job interview and then botching it. Maybe you flubbed a question, or all of them. Try not to worry — you can learn from the experience. Here’s how.

• Debrief with yourself. After the interview, write down as many questions — and your answers — as you can remember. When were you most comfortable? Where exactly did you trip up? Reach out to friends and mentors in the industry to ask how they might’ve answered the harder questions.
• Use your thank-you note to demonstrate self-awareness. You don’t need to apologize, but take the opportunity to clarify a confusing answer to an important question. And express your continued interest at the end of the note. Remember: You have nothing to lose.
• Don’t assume it’s a done deal. Silence after the interview doesn’t mean you didn’t get the job — it could mean people are on vacation, other candidates are in play, or the business needs changed after the interview.
• Focus on the next interview. Every interview is an opportunity to prepare for the next one. Continue your job search and use your reflections to diligently prepare.

You have a great idea: A product tweak that will save your company money; a process change to increase your team’s productivity; or a plan for heading off a looming crisis. But there’s just one snag: You’re not sure how to approach your boss about it. How can you frame your pitch to get the best reception? Start by asking yourself: How will this suggestion make my manager feel? It’s possible that hearing a great idea from you might make them feel threatened or insecure so set the conversation up for success by laying a groundwork of trust and goodwill. This is something you do long before you deliver your pitch, of course. You might give your manager positive feedback or express gratitude, provided the sentiments are genuine. Something as simple as, “I really enjoyed that presentation” or “Thanks for your support in the meeting today” can go a long way. When you raise your idea, approach your manager in private rather than publicly. This will give them space to respond honestly without feeling the pressure of others’ judgment. Try to frame your suggestions in a way that connects them to the company’s goals. You might reference your boss’s previous communications: for example, “You’ve spoken before about your focus on intuitive design. Here’s my idea for improving the user-friendliness of X product” And finally, have an implementation plan ready. At the end of the day, your manager isn’t going to greenlight a good idea that can’t be executed.

If you’re feeling burned out, it’s natural to assume that you need to lessen your workload. But research suggests that burnout isn’t always a function of too much work; it’s often the result of too little impact. Fortunately, you can increase the impact you have without adding more hours. First, invest in relationships that make you feel valued and psychologically safe, and avoid workplace politics and drama at all costs. They feel like a waste of time and just add to the exhaustion you feel. Next, look for ways to increase the level of challenge — not volume — of your daily workload. There is a strong correlation between being intellectually challenged and job satisfaction, so seek out projects with visible impact and a scope that will push you to stretch yourself and learn new skills. Finally, take on a leadership role on your team — either formally or informally. Where are there leadership vacuums in everyday moments? Who on your team seems to be in need of mentorship that you could possibly offer? Adopting this kind of responsibility could reenergize you when you’re feeling like your work isn’t leading to meaningful results.

There’s no “right” age at which to become an entrepreneur. Of course, having experience helps, but what matters more than age is your team, your idea, and your ability to advocate for yourself. So, first, assemble a team with a diverse set of skills. This might include mentors, advisors, or people who have experience growing companies from the ground up. Include someone who knows how to manage people, as well as someone with the technological skills needed for development and operations, and so forth. Next, identify a problem you’re truly passionate about solving. Find investors who are equally excited about addressing the pain points you care about, and convey your passion in a succinct, clear story to help rally others. And finally, be your own best advocate. If you do encounter age bias, or other forms of discrimination, be prepared to address those concerns head on by demonstrating your competence, confidence, and care. With the right idea, attitude, and people behind you, you can turn your idea into a reality — at any point in your career.

When we’re exhausted or stressed, our brains want to save mental energy and avoid things that make us feel uncomfortable. So how can you get stuff done, especially challenging tasks, when you’re tired and your mind is telling you it’s not worth the effort? Try changing your perception of the task by using a tool called “reappraisal.” For example, you might say to yourself, “I’m going to feel better once I get this new process down on paper,” rather than repeatedly thinking, “I just don’t want to do this.” Also, remind yourself of the long-term benefit of getting the task done. For instance, you might consider: “Do I want to experiment with a new project management tool that may boost my team’s efficiency, or do I want to stick with the same existing process that none of us feel great about?” This will make the easier path less appealing. By reframing hard work and envisioning an incentive, you’re more likely to move past your instinct to avoid the effort, and convince yourself to just get it done.