“I feel the need – the need for speed” the now famous words of Tom Cruise in my all-time favourite movie Top Gun. It is one of those movies that you can watch over and over again. This film which came out in 1986 really captures the essence of the 80s and who can ever forget leading man Tom Cruise and the ever gorgeous Kelly McGillis. All of a sudden everybody wanted to be a fighter pilot when they grow up. I’ve seen the movie more than a dozen times but only recently realised that, as in the movie, finding a new job requires a sound strategy and level head to ensure you grab the opportunities presented as you navigate your way to the top of the corporate ladder.
Let go of the past
For days after the death of Goose, Maverick was in a mental wasteland. He refused to engage, even though he knew his life and others depended on it. Without letting go of the past, we cannot forge ahead into the future.
The same strategy applies when you are looking for a new job. Hopes are raised and expectations accelerated when we go through several rounds of interviews with a potential employer only to be brought right back to earth when we are told that we have not been selected. The blow is doubly hard if it’s a position that we really fancy. But the best advice is to let go of the past and just move on to the next. You will find your fit.
Practice makes perfect
If there is one thing that Goose and Maverick learn early on, it’s no matter how good they think they will do, the only way to really test their skills and make sure they are prepared for the real thing is to practice.
The biggest oversight in interviewing is not being fully prepared. Understand that interviewing is a skill and preparation can make the difference between getting an offer and getting rejected. It is important to clearly identify your competencies, interests, values, and accomplishments; these are sure to be topics that will be discussed. When you are trying to work out the suitable answers to the interviewer’s questions, you will also want to practice getting your nerves under control.
Strategy
Before every mission the Top Gun pilots gather for a briefing. During this time the strategy is outlined for how the mission will be approached in order to ensure they are successful. When going for an interview using the same approach can be useful.
In order to reduce unnecessary stress on the day of your interview decide on a strategy beforehand. It’s important to know how long the interview will last; will it be a panel interview or not? What time will the interview take place, do you need to account for traffic? Most important of all make sure you have a solid reason for being out of the office. The worst thing ever is to be called into an unplanned meeting right before you are due to leave for your interview.
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