Whether you've been job searching for months, or your hunt has just begun, getting the notification that the employer would like you to come in for an interview is at once exhilarating and nerve-wracking. How do you back up what you've written in your cover letter and shown on your resume? If you've been out of work for some time due to treatment or recovery, perhaps you're concerned about adequately presenting your professional self? These concerns are valid, but can be addressed!
The Cut came up with a comprehensive interview guide to make sure you're preparing for interviews as thoroughly as possible. We've selected a few to highlight that address some of the major concerns expressed by cancer patients and survivors.
1. Before you interview, spend some real time on the employers website. Aside from it being necessary to know who the company is and what work they do, it can be really beneficial for you to understand their mission, what drives their work, and ultimately, how you could help them see you as an asset to their success. By having this deeper understanding, you'll not only appear informed, but can also tailor your answers to fit into the narrative they're looking for.
2. Write down questions you're likely to be asked, and practice saying your answers out loud. There are many questions you can expect during an interview: Why are you leaving your current company? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you think you'd be the best choice for this position? Just because these are 'typical' questions, does not mean they are easy to answer. Practicing before an interview means your answers will be polished and relevant. Check out our article on mock interviews to get ideas for interviewing best practices.
3. Figure out what you're most nervous about being asked. Looking for work after a cancer diagnosis, it's important to be prepared for questions that could require you to consider disclosure and your privacy. Check out how to use the swivel in situations where you'd like to avoid discussing your diagnosis and keep the conversation focused on your skills.
CAC often hears from patients and survivors about concerns regarding gaps in their resume. If a gap is a concern for you, make sure to utilize our free Resume Review Service to help reformat your resume to make sure you can eliminate any red flags.
You can find our webinars on conducting a job search and making a career change, offering a number of helpful considerations as you go through the job hunt, in the CAC Video Archive, Finally, download or order our Job Search Toolkit for a variety of tips and suggestions on best practices for interviewing and other aspects of the job search.