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Sonia L Bellafiore
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58
Business Analyst, Project Manager, Leader
08/18/20 at 4:05PM UTC
in
Career

Are you there, interviewer? It's me and I just answered that question.

Being unemployed due to COVID doesn’t carry a stigma, but my work history has more than a COVID layoff. Over the past three years, I have not held a position for more than one year. I am comfortable with the narrative—I made decisions that make me a better employee, two layoffs were beyond my control, and I left each organization on solid ground and on good terms. I still have some explaining to do! I interviewed for an ideal opportunity recently. The last step in the interview process was meeting with the executive responsible for the team. When the opportunity arose, I addressed my work history transparently and objectively. I acknowledged the probable concerns it might raise. The interviewer changed the topic completely and asked questions about my connections on LinkedIn. I wondered if I had said too much. Or too little. Or the wrong thing. Then he said, “What concerns me is your work history. I notice that you were at X for one year, Y for another year, and Z for only a few months. What happened?” Are you there, interviewer? It's me and I just answered that question. My best guess is that the interviewer was skimming LinkedIn and not listening to me. We are all prey to distraction, and I cannot throw the first stone. I talked it through with a career coach so I can be prepared the next time this happens. This is what I learned: 1. I made a good choice when I chose to answer the question a second time. Interviews are not a time to call people out but there’s another reason… 2. My best guess may have been wrong. I couldn’t assume anything more than good will on the part of the interviewer; 3. Whether the interviewer was looking for me to tell my story for the first (!) time or for me to give further detail, I had an opportunity to further sell my experience, skill set, and work ethic. I can use this experience to be better prepared for my next interview (yes, I did not get the job). I am going to practice interviewing over the phone with a friend. I am going to think about how I can answer questions in layers--giving a clear, effective, and impressive initial response and adding meaningful details if the interviewer has more questions. I’ll let you know how that goes!

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Vanessa Burrell
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30
Searching for talented professionals nationwide!
08/21/20 at 6:25PM UTC
There could be a myriad of things going on with the interviewer- not a great interviewer, could have been multi tasking, etc. You will drive yourself crazy trying to understand the unknown. You did the right thing. Own what you can own, which is your side of the conversation. Some times interviewers ask the same questions multiple times in different ways, because they need further understanding, even if they heard your response the first time. But no matter how many times you are called to speak to something- it is on you as a candidate to answer professionally (and yes, reiterate or repeat). Lastly, I will say that the interview is a two way street, and if you did not get a good vibe from the interview, and this interviewer is going to be part of your day to day- I would use how the interview went to weight if this employer/role/team is the right place for you.
Laura McCann
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325
Driving results through people engagement
08/18/20 at 8:45PM UTC
It sounds like a multi-tasker!! You did the right thing in terms of answering the questions both times. If the company doesn't do interview training, it is not the best skillset of leaders. People aren't great at doing interviews.
DJ Jaeger
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110
Learning Experience Designer in Portland
08/18/20 at 8:24PM UTC
Absolutely essential that you had a great way to explain it (thanks career coaching!!) and unfortunately sometimes things slip through the cracks. I try to give everyone grace and leniency if possible because we’re all human and (likely) doing the beat we can. Imagine how many applicants they have viewed or vetted in their lifetime — it’s probably been a lot. I think you handled it well by being on the spot to explain it more than once. There is the possibility that the interviewer might have been checking to see if you’d explain it the same way twice. Good luck with future interviews!
Farah Bajwa
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339
Manager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach
08/18/20 at 8:23PM UTC
We've all had bumps in the road. I've been laid off now for 1.5 years. My dear, do not doubt yourself for one second! You did your absolute best you could with the situation you were given. You can't do more than that. You were sincere, honest, transparent and are humbly looking for ways to grow and evolve. If they can't see your value, then continue having faith in yourself, trust in God, and confidently putting yourself out there because this means those who will appreciate who you are and what you want to be are still out there looking for you as you are looking for them. I'm not just telling you this, I'm living this with you. You're not alone!
Jen Salseg
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67
Candidate Advocate + Recruiter
08/18/20 at 8:10PM UTC
I love that you looked for feedback! And your career coach was spot on. I think sometimes, especially at the executive level, they haven't perhaps taken the time to prep for the interview- they haven't reviewed an interview guide or the candidate's resume. To your point, there may be multitasking going on or the lack of ability to multitask-maybe the question came up as a note from a previous interviewer so he needed to dial in more. Whatever the reason the point is you are awesome for seeking feedback!
Amy Fortney, PMP
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2.27k
Business Strategist & Fractional COO. Doer.
08/18/20 at 6:48PM UTC
It could have been that they weren't paying attention, or it could be that they were looking for holes in the story/how you handle being asked an uncomfortable question twice, especially when you've already been through your practiced answer. It's a technique I've seen. I'm not saying it's a good one, but I've seen it.
Kristyn Parker-Meyer
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649
An imperfect person trying to be my best
08/18/20 at 6:23PM UTC
It is really irritating when the interviewers don't pay attention to your answers and are distracted. I think your outlook on it was really great though, and that you handled it well.
Anonymous
08/18/20 at 6:14PM UTC
I can relate to what you're saying, similar situation with a number of jobs and it's been a learning experience for me as well in regards to how to answer it. For this 1 phone screen I had, I have to admit I wasn't prepared properly as this hadn't been brought up in recent interviews so that's on me. I should of known this may have come up as I had done my research & saw she had previously been with 1 job for 16 yrs & the current one(HR recruiter) was for 7 yrs. I tried to explain my reasons for leaving as it "wasn't a good fit for me" without slamming the former employer(truth was it was a toxic & unprofessional environment & I shouldn't of taken it to begin with as it was shared in the interview that they had an employee go to lunch & call in to quit the same day). I actually emailed the recruiter the same day trying to be positive indicating that I wouldn't of gotten the experience and background I have in a number of industries if I hadn't moved around. I never heard back (not that I was expecting but felt I had stood up for myself and just moved on. ) I see that the same position has been posted again recently with this employer. For me, definitely listening more to my intuition these days & not ignoring red flags such as the above. I also have a career coach I'm working closely with and feel all of the above suggestions are great! Good luck & chin up, you're not alone!!!
Katelynn Jimenez
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507
New mom and lover of all things HR
08/18/20 at 4:48PM UTC
It sounds like they weren't actively listening the first time you explained. I'm sure interviewing via Zoom has many challenges. It sounds like you are doing a great job being transparent, consulting with a career coach, and practicing with a friend. I hope you find a good opportunity very soon!
Cara Houser
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1.93k
Coaching + Digital Courses for High Impact Women
08/18/20 at 4:45PM UTC
I like your approach of learning as much as possible from each interview encounter and increasing flexibility along the way. It's a skill that needs practice like everything else. If you can speak confidently about the growth in skills and experience that occurred with each career move (and even breaks in career) and how that translates into value for the company you are interviewing with, it comes across as strength. Keep up the good work and wishing you all the best.

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