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

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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.

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#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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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

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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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How to network with intention: The key to success

a networking event

Imagine this: you’ve just met someone whom you think could be a valuable connection in your career. The next thing you do is reach out to them and start bombarding them with requests for help.

Sounds familiar?

If this is your networking strategy, then you’re doing it wrong. The key to success when networking is to do it with intention. That means approaching each connection with a clear goal in mind and taking the time to get to know them on a personal level.

In this article, we will give you some tips on networking with intention so that you can make the most of every connection.

What intentionality looks like when networking

Intentionality is key when networking. It’s not enough to just go to a networking event and start handing out your business card like nobody’s business. You need to have a plan.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Do your homework. Find out who’s going to be at the event, and do some research on them ahead of time. This way, you will know who you want to target and what you want to say to them.
  • Be prepared to give elevator pitches. You only have a few seconds to make an impression, so make sure you practice your elevator pitches ahead of time.
  • Have a goal in mind. What exactly do you want to get out of the event? More leads? A job? A new contact?
  • Be friendly and outgoing. The best way to network is by being genuine with everyone you meet.
How to make the most of networking events
two man in a conversation

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Chat with everyone you can, not just the people you know. It also means being prepared with a few questions for your conversation partners. Most importantly, remember that networking is a two-way street. You should be prepared to offer help and advice to others as well. Build those relationships, and you will be a step closer to networking success.

How to follow up with people you’ve met

Now that you’ve met a bunch of people at the event, it’s time to follow up with them. But don’t just send a standard email blast. Personalize each message and make sure it’s relevant to the person you’ve met.

Here are a few follow-up tips:

  • Connect with them on LinkedIn
  • Reference a conversation point
  • Keep it short and sweet
  • Include a call to action

When you network with intention, you’re more likely to attract people and opportunities that are a good fit for you. Take the time to figure out what you want, and be clear and concise about what you have to offer. Network with purpose, and be selective about the people you connect with. With deliberate steps, you can master the art of networking with intention in no time.

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Conquer your fear of rejection when pitching and selling your ideas

man giving a presentation

Imagine this scenario: You have a fabulous idea for a new product or service, and you want to pitch it to your boss and colleagues.

You rehearse your pitch over and over in your head, but when the time comes, you find yourself stumbling over your words and tripping over your feet.

Rejection is a fear that plagues many people when it comes to pitching and selling their ideas. The thought of someone saying no can be daunting, and it’s often what keeps people from even trying. But what if there was a way to overcome that fear?

Let’s explore ways to conquer your fear of rejection when pitching and selling your ideas. We will also look at some tips for preparing for that big pitch. So don’t let fear keep you from reaching your goals—read on and learn how to pitch and sell your ideas with confidence!

The benefits of pitching and selling

When you pitch and sell your ideas, you’re putting yourself out there. You’re making yourself vulnerable. And that’s a scary thing. But what if we told you that there are benefits to pitching and selling your ideas? What if we told you that by doing so, you’re giving yourself a chance to succeed?

Here are just a few of the other benefits:

  • Learning more about your industry and its needs.
  • Building relationships with potential businessmen.
  • Establishing yourself as an authority figure in your field.
  • Gaining experience and confidence in pitching and selling.
Why do we get anxious when selling?

You’re probably familiar with the feeling. You’ve come up with a genius idea and you can’t wait to share it with the world. But as soon as you start to pitch and sell your idea, that sense of dread starts to creep in.

You start to worry about what the other person is thinking. You wonder if they’re going to think your idea is stupid. You get so wrapped up in your head that you can’t even focus. And before you know it, you’ve shut down and stopped functioning.

There’s a name for this phenomenon—it’s called anxiety. And it’s something that a lot of us deal with daily. But the good news is that there are ways to overcome it.

Overcoming your fear of rejection
man looking at his tablet

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You may be surprised to know that many people experience anxiety when pitching and selling their ideas. They feel as if they’re being judged, and they often worry about being rejected.

But if you want to be successful, you can’t let fear hold you back. You need to learn how to overcome your dread of rejection. And the best way to do that is to practice. The more you practice, the more confident you will become. And the more confident you are, the less likely you are to fear the pitching process.

So start practicing today, and before you know it, you will be pitching and selling your ideas like a pro.

Creating a pitch that will sell

When you’re pitching an idea, you want to make sure that it’s going to sell. You want to paint a picture for the person you’re pitching to that makes them see how your idea can benefit them.

But it’s not always easy to do that, especially if you’re shy or introverted. You might find yourself getting tongue-tied or feeling awkward. That’s normal, but it’s not going to help you close the deal.

Prep and practice your pitch until it’s perfect. And then, when the time comes, own it. Be confident in what you’re saying and sell your idea with conviction. Remember, the person you’re pitching to wants to see how your idea can help them (or their company), not how amazing you are.

Practice, practice, practice
woman video-recording herself

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It’s perfectly natural to feel a little tense when pitching and selling your ideas. After all, you want to make a good impression and you want your idea to be well-received. But it’s necessary to remember that practice makes perfect.

Try roleplaying with a friend or colleague. Or video yourself pitching and selling your ideas—this is a simple way to see where you can improve. And don’t forget to celebrate little successes and not mull over minor trips!

When it comes to pitching and selling your ideas, don’t let your fear of rejection hold you back. With the right mindset, you can approach any opportunity with confidence and come out on top. Start by preparing for your pitch. Make sure you know your material inside and out and practice until you have the speech down pat. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to deliver. No one is immune to rejection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. Stay motivated and focused on your final goal, and don’t let a little setback stop you from reaching your ultimate destination.

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