It Comes Down to Enthusiasm!

[icebreakerpenguin]

I'm currently as a crossroads in my career.  Please bear with me while I explain.  One good thing, though...I am almost 38 years old and  people still think I'm only 29 or 30!  Anyway, the past three years have been difficult since I involuntarily lost a job (which I explained in a prior post).  I am searching for a high-level executive assistant position, a position I've held in the past and excelled at.  It's seems to be unreachable to obtain at this point.  I've been working temp jobs the past few months and took a position as a legal secretary at a small firm making less money than I care to make and gathering that if I would be patient the wealth of legal experience I gain will help to get that better job in the future.  Well, the firm is not where I want to be (I've been there 6 months).  The managing partner is despised by everyone and everyone talks about wanting to leave (except me - I don't say anything).  While temping I interviewed many times for desired positions only to be told they were impressed but that I was the "runner up".  I am going to interviews on the sly and I asked Office Team, who is helping me search, for some constructive feedback.  They told me it's my interviewing skills - I initially come across too quiet at the start and am not "enthusiastic" enough.  Needless to say I was surprised because I am a very positive person and always smile!  I have even inadvertently been given the knickname "Giggles" by some of the staff.  My question:  How can you come across enthusiastic enough?  In regard to enthusiasm, what have you found to be helpful in getting a desired position?  I don't want to overdo the enthusiasm either.  I'm at a guandary!

[mcbethers]

When you asked about enthusiasm, did they say what type?  



The interviewers may not be looking for cheerleader enthusiasm.  It could be that they are just looking for you to express enthusiasm for the position.  I'm the quiet type. I've discovered that showing an intensity of interest for a position works quite well. "I really interested in how, in this position, I could ..." and apply how this benefits the company by hiring you. Explain why the position interests you and how the potential of working there fires you up.



Hope this might give you something to work with.

[goldenearring]

Hey, Peng-y!

I think what the difference is is "energetic focus," not cheerleader  rah rah like mc said.  When you know your "stuff" so well that your passion comes through when you describe some of the things you've worked on and that you like to work on . . . that's what I think you are looking for.  Believe me, some of this has to be a very conscious effort on your part, and it does take some development.  There are no "born" salespeople; they are created.  I am getting tired of hearing myself say this, BUT, have you written down, in your own handwriting ***EXACTLY*** what you are looking for?  Type of job, type of coworkers/boss, work environment, salary, location, hours, benefits, etc. etc. etc.  I'm a firm believer that it's a heckuva lot easier to find what you're looking for if you know what it is so clearly that you dream it at night.  GE

[sungoddesslv]

Icebreaker,



Here's one suggestion.  Since OfficeTeam provided that advice, go back to them and ask them to interview you, just as if you were a new candidate.  After the interview (or during) have them point out places where you could have been more aggressive in your response.  Where you need to add a little more enthusiasm.  



Second suggestion:  Read "What Color is My Parachute."  My sister highly recommends this book and has given me pointers out of it.



You can be professional while at the same time having a little fun.  For instance, a really didn't like the way this particular fella interviewed so when he pulled out the piece of paper with the standard questions on it and asked me what is my weakness, I replied, "Chocolate cake and ice cream."  Then he asked how do I handle stress, I said, "A jacuzzi bath and a glass of wine."  I still was hired by the company but not working for him (there is a God). HR Director thought it was funny.



Good luck, I.P.



sungoddess

[northcarolina]

I agree w/mcbethers (welcome by the way!).  I'm extremely quiet, until I get to know you, and this can have an adverse affect in an interview.  I've had to learn to be more expressive in interviews (and other things as well).  If you are a quiet type like me, what you think may express your interest may actually seem like lack of interest to them (just ask my hubby, he didn't think I was interested when we first met!).



Ask a friend to practice with you and have them point out things you could do to improve or how to better express your interest.



Good luck.

nc



Hey GE and Sungoddess - were we all typing at the same time?