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.

Episode Reference Links:

• Andrew Seaman: Website 
• Andrew Seaman: LinkedIn 
• Andrew’s Podcast: Get Hired
• Ep.118 Maximizing Your Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want Website / YouTube 
• Ep.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be YouTube 
• Ep.62 Best Of: Summer Learning Series, How Humor Can Be a Secret Weapon in Communication Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
• Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter

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