Striking a balance: How to talk just enough, but not too much, during an interview

talking during an interview

It can be tricky to strike the right balance between talking too much and talking too little during an interview.

On one hand, you don’t want to come across as someone shy or unwilling to share. On the other hand, you don’t want to overwhelm your interviewer with too much information.

So, how can you make sure that you share just enough information without going overboard? An interviewer wants to get to know you, but they also need to know that you’re the right fit for the job. You need to find a way to balance your need to talk about yourself with their need to learn more about you.

The importance of talking during an interview

You want to show the interviewer that you’re engaged and interested in the role. But you also don’t want to talk too much.

Why is that so?

Because if you talk too much, you may start rambling and lose focus. And the interviewer will start to wonder why you’re not paying attention to their questions. But if you don’t say enough, the interviewer will think you’re not that keen on the role or that you don’t have anything valuable to contribute.

So how can you strike the perfect balance? Well, read on.

How to know if you’re talking too much

How can you tell if you’re talking too much? Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Are you monopolizing the conversation?
  • Are you talking more than your interviewer?
  • Are you talking about yourself more than you are asking questions about the company or the role?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you may need to readjust. Try to focus on listening more and sharing only the most relevant information.

How to know if you’re talking too little
listening during an interview

Image Credits: linkedin.com

Are you worried that you’re not talking enough during your interview? Here are a few signs that you might be:

  • You’re not asking any questions.
  • You’re not giving any examples of your past work.
  • You’re not talking about your skills and experience in handling projects.

If you’re exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s a sign that you might be talking too little. Try to engage more with your interviewer and share more information about yourself.

Tips for speaking the right amount

Here are a few tips for striking the right balance:

  • Listen carefully to the interviewer. They will ask you questions, so answer them.
  • Keep your answers concise. You want to respond to the question, but you don’t want to drone on and on.
  • Don’t just talk about yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know you, but they also want to know what you can do for the company. So make sure to share how you can contribute as a new hire.

When it comes to job interviews, striking a balance between talking too much and talking too little can be difficult. On one hand, you don’t want to monopolize the conversation and end up talking more than your interviewer. On the other hand, you don’t want to say too little and make it seem like you’re not interested in the position. So what’s the right amount to talk? As a general rule, aim to share about three or four thoughts or stories during the interview. Remember to relax and take your time—you don’t want to rush through an interview and wind up saying something you would regret later.

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How to Handle Dishonest Employees

It is challenging to maintain a perfect record of accomplishment of hiring the right people. Occasionally, a bad apple slips into the basket. You can end up with an unpleasant employee in your team. Whether this employee is difficult to work with or is dishonest, having this type of an employee is any employer’s worst nightmare.

The simple answer to how to handle dishonest employees is to get rid of him or her. However, you have to resolve matters following the established rules and principles.

#1: GET UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF OF THE DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

If you are someone mediating a case of dishonesty, your first step is being absolutely certain that the act took place. You should look for evidence while using legal methods and fully respecting privacy laws. Another employee’s words are not strong enough evidence to conclude that you are dealing with a case of dishonesty. You need to cover all the bases.

#2: BE DATA-DRIVEN

It is easier to detect dishonest and corrupt behavior when everything is measured and tracked. Expenses need to be closely tracked. Accountability can also be put in writing such as having an Equipment Accountability Form. Apart from receipts and expense sheets, you can perform a background check on the employee in question.

You need to find out if the employee in question has a history of dishonest behavior or if this instance is an isolated case. You can contact any of his or her former employers to get a wider perspective.

#3: ASSESS THE IMPACT IT HAS ON YOUR ORGANIZATION

After examining the facts and realizing that you are dealing with dishonest behavior from an employee, the next step is to evaluate what the consequences are for the company. Realistically, evaluating the potential impact of this situation can help you make a plan on how to handle it appropriately.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH THE EMPLOYEE

Once you are certain that dishonest behavior took place and you have investigated the impact it can have on the organization, you need to openly discuss the matter with the employee in question. Such a discussion can reveal the motives behind the employee’s behavior and even resolve the entire issue in situations when the damage was minimal.

#5: SET CLEAR CONSEQUENCES FOR THE DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

Set clear consequences for the dishonest actions, starting from a probation period up to termination. Knowing there are clear and well-defined consequences can help you take action and move ahead. I am not saying that it is easy to do, but it is a crucial step to making things right.

#6: ENCOURAGE OPEN FEEDBACK AND TRANSPARENCY

Build a culture that encourages transparency and openness. Workplace transparency is open communication between leaders and employees. Leaders shall commit to openly sharing expectations, mistakes, setbacks, feedback, revenue, and other metrics.

If a team member thinks something seems out of the ordinary or something seems off, he or she should bring it up and comfortably escalate the matter to the manager.  Leaders can lead by example through giving constant feedback or constructive criticisms. 

Sources: 1 & 2

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The surprisingly powerful benefits of doing absolutely nothing

chilling by the beach

It’s no secret that our world is constantly moving and evolving at a breakneck pace.

It seems like every day, there’s another thing we’re supposed to be doing, and if we’re not careful, we can quickly fall into the trap of feeling overwhelmed.

But what if there was a way to take a break from all of that? What if there was a way to just let your mind wander for a little while, without feeling guilty or like you’re wasting time? Believe it or not, there are some pretty powerful benefits to doing nothing.

The scientific case for why doing nothing is good for you

You may think that doing nothing is a waste of time, but you could be wrong.

According to a study, doing nothing can lead to more imaginative thoughts and better problem-solving abilities. In other words, taking a break from your busy schedule and just letting your mind wander can be beneficial.

So if you’re feeling over the top, doing nothing may be the best thing for you. It can be a stress-relief practice that can reduce your anxiety and help with creativity.

Tips for those who find it difficult to do nothing
painting leaves

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It can be tough to do nothing.

We’re so used to constantly being on the go, and when our schedule finally opens up, we feel anxious. We start wondering what we should be doing with all this newfound time.

But here’s the thing: Doing nothing is good for you. When your mind is free to wander, it comes up with all sorts of ideas and solutions that you wouldn’t have thought of if you were pushing yourself to stay productive.

So if you’re struggling to do nothing, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Permit yourself to relax
  • Set a time limit for yourself
  • Find an extremely relaxing activity to do
How to find joy in the simple things in life

Relax, take a deep breath and just let yourself be.

Recharge and get ready for the next challenge. It also helps to connect with your inner thoughts and feelings, which can be valuable when you’re feeling lost or uncertain about your next move.

Most importantly, taking some time for yourself can help you find peace and happiness in the simplest things life has to offer.

When was the last time you just stopped and did nothing? If you can’t remember, it’s time to make some time for yourself. It might seem like a waste of time, but doing nothing can be beneficial. It gives your mind a chance to wander, and that can lead to some innovative ideas. It’s also a fabulous way to relax and de-stress. So next time your schedule frees up, don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself. Inspiration can come from doing nothing.

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Resignation tips: How to quit gracefully

Resignation letter

You’ve decided it’s time to move on.

You’ve weighed your options and concluded that quitting your job is the best course of action. But you don’t want to burn bridges on your way out. You still have a full month to go, and you don’t want your last days at the company to be a total mess.

Well, you’re in luck.

We’ve put together a few resignation tips that will help make your departure as smooth as possible.

How to quit your job without burning bridges

Start by putting together a resignation letter.

Be clear about why you’re leaving and thank your boss for the opportunity they’ve given you. Next, schedule a meeting with your boss and deliver the news in person. Finally, send in an email or letter to make things official.

What to include in your resignation letter

When the time comes to quit your job, do so in a way that leaves a good impression. After all, you never know when you might need to reach out to your former boss for a reference or networking opportunity.

Your resignation letter should be brief and to the point. It’s best to include the following information:

  • The date of your last day of work
  • A brief explanation of why you’re resigning
  • Grateful words for the opportunities you’ve been given
  • Acknowledgment of the role your employer has played in your career development
The importance of a positive resignation
happy resignation

Image Credits: lawdistrict.com

When you’re planning to quit your job, remember that how you resign can have a lasting impact on your relationship with your boss and your colleagues.

A positive resignation shows them that you’re appreciative of the chances you’ve been given to shine and that you’re leaving on good terms. It can also make it easier to get a reference or recommendation from them before you go.

Training your replacement

One of the best things you can do for yourself—and your soon-to-be former employer—is to train your replacement.

By training someone to take over your job, you’re ensuring that your company will be in good hands after you’re gone. You’re also setting the stage for a smooth transition. And who knows? Maybe you will even leave a lasting impression on your replacement, and he or she will remember your mentoring sessions after you’re gone.

So how do you go about training your replacement? It depends on the situation, but here are a few tips:

  • Make a list of responsibilities for your job
  • Show your replacement how to do each task
  • Provide clear instructions and be available to answer questions
  • Take the time to explain the company’s culture and how things are done

You don’t have to go out with a bang to make a lasting impression. Here are tips to help you quit your job with class: tie up loose ends. Make sure you’ve finished all your projects and handed over all your responsibilities before you leave. Take the time to say goodbye to your coworkers, and thank them for their support over the years. Don’t badmouth your company or boss—you will only come across as bitter and unprofessional. Leave on good terms, and people will remember you fondly when you move on to your next venture.

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Ready to settle down? Here’s why you should stop using dating apps

dating

If you’re looking for a serious relationship that could lead to marriage, you should stop using dating apps.

We know, we know. It’s hard to give up the search and put all your eggs in one basket, but hear us out. Dating apps are great for finding dates, but they’re not so great for finding partners.

Dating apps are designed for convenience and exploration. They allow you to meet people from various backgrounds, which is awesome if you’re young and have the time to spare. But if your goal is to find a partner to marry, then it’s time to put the apps away.

You’re wasting your time

That might sound harsh, but it’s the truth.

You’re spending hours swiping through profiles when you could be meeting people in real life. And if you’re not meeting people in real life, you’re not giving yourself a chance to find the right person.

Dating apps are great for finding someone to hook up with, or for finding someone to date casually, but they’re not the best way to find someone to marry. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, you need to stop using dating apps and start meeting people in real life.

You’re looking for something serious

When you’re looking for something serious, you need to be laser-focused. But right now, your focus is all over the place.

You’re swiping through Tinder profiles and chatting with people on Bumble, but you’re not paying attention to the people you’re talking to. You’re just looking for a quick fix, someone to make you feel better about yourself, and that’s not fair to either of you. You deserve better than that.

You’re not meeting the right type of people
woman looking at a online profile

Image Credits: vox.com

When you’re meeting people online first, you’re meeting them in a very different context than when you’re meeting them in person.

Online, people are putting their best foot forward. They’re editing their profiles and choosing the best photos to post. They’re showing you what they want you to see.

But when you meet someone in person, you get to see them for who they are. You get to see their quirks and their flaws. And that’s a good thing because it means that you can start to get a sense of whether or not this is someone you could see yourself with long-term.

Online dating is causing you to be more judgmental

Here’s the thing: if you’re looking for a serious partner, you’re going to be more judgmental when you’re using dating apps.

You’re going to be looking for the things that you think are essential in a partner, and you’re going to be dismissing people who don’t fit those criteria. And that’s not healthy. It’s not healthy because you might be dismissing someone who could be a great partner for you. Someone funny, kind, and generous. Someone who could make your life better.

So if you’re ready to settle down, stop using dating apps. Meet people the old-fashioned way—through friends, at events, or through organizations that you belong to. And be open to the possibility that the person you end up with might not fit into your preconceived notions of what a perfect partner looks like.

As we close, you should stop using online dating apps if you’re looking for a serious partner to get married to. Here’s why: you’re not getting the results you want. If you’re not meeting the right people, it’s time to try something different. Online dating apps can be addictive, and they can consume a lot of your time. Try meeting people in person instead of relying on dating apps. You will be surprised at how many potential partners you can meet along the way.

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