Digest

In this episode of Luke's English Podcast, host Luke chats with Natasha V. Brudy, author of "Swagart: The Art of Professional Schmoozing at Job Interviews." Natasha, a former UNESCO employee, shares her experiences and insights on navigating the job interview process, particularly for high-profile positions. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and understanding your own value as a potential employee. Natasha highlights the distinction between personal and professional strengths, advocating for tailoring your professional strengths to the specific requirements of the job description. She introduces the "how and by" method for backing up your skills with specific examples. Natasha also provides practical advice on preparing for interviews, including researching the company and interviewers, practicing common interview questions, and dressing appropriately for the role. She stresses the importance of approaching interviews as conversations rather than interrogations, and emphasizes the need to be prepared for the dreaded question, "Do you have any questions for us?" Natasha also offers guidance on salary negotiations, advising against discussing salary too early in the process and emphasizing the importance of negotiating after receiving a written job offer. The episode concludes with a recap of Natasha's main points, encouraging listeners to practice their interview skills and be prepared to try again if they don't succeed on the first attempt.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Stand-up Comedy Announcement

This Chapter introduces the podcast and includes an announcement about the host's upcoming stand-up comedy show in Paris on July 19th at 8:30pm. The venue is Osolet de la Boute, located at 32 rue Muller in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. The host encourages listeners to attend the show and say hello afterwards.

00:01:27

Job Interviews with Natasha V. Brudy

This Chapter introduces the topic of job interviews and welcomes Natasha V. Brudy, author of "Swagart: The Art of Professional Schmoozing at Job Interviews." Natasha discusses her experiences in the job market and the inspiration behind her book, which focuses on navigating the interview process with confidence and self-assurance. She shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced, particularly as a person of color in a sometimes-unbalanced job market.

00:27:43

Tips for Job Interviews: Before and During

This Chapter delves into specific advice for job interviews, focusing on the importance of highlighting tailored professional strengths, which are skills and experiences that directly match the company's needs and the role's requirements. Natasha emphasizes the need to back up your skills with specific examples using the "how and by" method. She also recommends practicing common interview questions and researching the company and interviewers thoroughly.

00:33:57

Preparing for the Big Day: The Day of the Interview

This Chapter focuses on the day of the interview, emphasizing the importance of giving yourself ample time to arrive at the location, expecting potential delays, and preparing everything in advance to avoid unnecessary stress. Natasha shares a personal anecdote about a time she struggled to find a printer on the day of an interview, highlighting the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

00:46:05

Presentation and Typical Interview Questions

This Chapter discusses the importance of dressing appropriately for the job you're applying for, considering the company's culture and the type of role. Natasha also addresses typical interview questions, including "Tell us about yourself" and "What are three things you do well?" She emphasizes the importance of approaching interviews as conversations rather than interrogations and being prepared for the question, "Do you have any questions for us?" Natasha encourages listeners to ask questions that will impact their lives and provide valuable insights into the role and the company.

00:52:37

Salary Negotiations: Timing is Key

This Chapter focuses on salary negotiations, advising against discussing salary too early in the interview process. Natasha emphasizes that salary should only be discussed after receiving a written job offer, as this demonstrates that the company is genuinely interested in you. She provides guidance on negotiating salary, suggesting that you go high and use your negotiation power to secure the best possible offer.

00:59:07

Final Tips and Encouragement

This Chapter concludes the interview with Natasha, offering final tips and encouragement for job seekers. Natasha emphasizes the importance of practicing interview skills, seeking feedback on your CV and applications, and not giving up. She encourages listeners to be persistent and to keep trying, even if they don't succeed on the first attempt.

01:01:38

Summary of Natasha's Main Points

This Chapter provides a summary of Natasha's main points from the interview, highlighting the importance of selling yourself, understanding the difference between personal and professional strengths, tailoring your responses to the specific requirements of the job, practicing common interview questions, researching the company and interviewers, and negotiating salary after receiving a written job offer.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some key takeaways from Natasha's book "Swagart: The Art of Professional Schmoozing at Job Interviews"?

  Natasha's book emphasizes the importance of self-belief, understanding your own value, and tailoring your professional strengths to the specific requirements of the job. She also provides practical advice on preparing for interviews, including researching the company and interviewers, practicing common interview questions, and dressing appropriately for the role. She stresses the importance of approaching interviews as conversations rather than interrogations and emphasizes the need to be prepared for the question, "Do you have any questions for us?" Natasha also offers guidance on salary negotiations, advising against discussing salary too early in the process and emphasizing the importance of negotiating after receiving a written job offer.

• What are some tips for preparing for a job interview?

  Natasha recommends researching the company and interviewers thoroughly, practicing common interview questions, and dressing appropriately for the role. She also emphasizes the importance of approaching interviews as conversations rather than interrogations and being prepared for the question, "Do you have any questions for us?" Natasha encourages listeners to ask questions that will impact their lives and provide valuable insights into the role and the company.

• When should you discuss salary during a job interview?

  Natasha advises against discussing salary too early in the interview process. She emphasizes that salary should only be discussed after receiving a written job offer, as this demonstrates that the company is genuinely interested in hiring you. She provides guidance on negotiating salary, suggesting that you go high and use your negotiation power to secure the best possible offer.

• What are some common interview questions that job seekers should be prepared for?

  Natasha mentions common interview questions such as "Tell us about yourself" and "What are three things you do well?" She also highlights the importance of being prepared for the question, "Do you have any questions for us?" and encourages listeners to ask questions that will impact their lives and provide valuable insights into the role and the company.

• How can I improve my interview skills?

  Natasha recommends practicing interview skills, seeking feedback on your CV and applications, and not giving up. She encourages listeners to be persistent and to keep trying, even if they don't succeed on the first attempt. She also suggests getting a job that you know you can get and practicing, practicing, practicing.

Show Notes