OMGOMGOMGOMG!

[piplover]

Ok, so, last week, I entered a contest with the local news station, where they would draw 20 names of people currently unemployed and give them a chance to sell themselves on the air.  Well. apparently, I was one of the names drawn.  I just got an email from the guy at the TV station wanting to know when I can come down.  OMG, what am I supposed to say?  How do I sell myself so I don't look like a total idiot and someone will actually want to hire me after seeing my fat ass on TV?  OMG, I'm going to give myself a panic attack, I never thought I would be one of the winners!  Aaaahhhggggg!  

*Kermit arms!!*

Ok, ok, I can do this.  I have an outfit picked out, but what do I say?  I - really, I'm not that marketable!  My biggest selling point is I'm a veteran and a hard worker, but I've only been working part time the past three years!  

*Whimpers*

Whoever thought winning would be so nerve wracking?  Eep!

Comments

[rivier.livejournal.com]

THIS IS BRILLIANT! I'm severely chuffed for you! And OMG yes, I bet it's nerve-wracking but even seasoned broadcasters get an adrenaline rush before they go on air - it keeps them perky. You'll be fine and just getting spruced up and out there is half the fun, so please try not to worry too much!

I don't know if you are seriously looking for advice? On the offchance you are, then one suggestion I have is that you think about what you'd be doing in your dream job, and talk a little about that. In that dream job, what would be the three best things about it in terms of what you'd be doing - what would be the skills that you know you have, that you know you'd be bringing a positive contribution to any employer lucky enough to get you?

So look at the things you mention. The hard work is great, of course, because all bosses love a hard worker - what kind of hard work would you love to be delivering? Hours of tasty admin? Long physical slog? Something else? As a vet, what are the things you enjoyed most about the military service, what did you learn that you think best helps you to make things work more effectively for others?

And so on! Basically, think of this slot from the end point - apart from your warm and appealing personality, of course, what are the three or four headlines you'd want any viewer to come away with if they only remember three things about you? "Gosh, that [Piplover] - she's got a great analytical way of tackling problems, she clearly always looks for the positive outcomes in any situation and tries to deliver them, she's a dab hand when it comes to building box girder bridges, she always gets her job done from start to finish...!" And then think about what information you'll use to illustrate each of those key headlines - "I enjoy hard work because it [whatevers me and here is something I did that demonstrates that]" (see, I couldn't fake this one because I'm as lazy as a drone!)

Uhm, don't know if any of that helps focus your planning? Anyway, good luck, and knock 'em sideways!

[piplover.livejournal.com]

You are wonderful! Thank you! My brain feels like I have a hamster going overdrive in there, and I can't even think properly right now. Thank you for your advice, I think it will really help. Once I calm down and actually start thinking again, that is. I really need to just sit my ass down and figure out what I want, like you said, and then give it everything I have.

You're the best!

Advice from a former professional

[beadattitude.livejournal.com]

Take a deep breath. Take two. Remember that yes, you're marketing yourself, but also, you're providing on air entertainment for the radio station for free, so really? They're working for you. Seriously. They? Working for YOU. That should give you a shot of confidence.

Two. What do you really want? Don't be afraid to ask for it, because why the hell not? What kind of job do you really, really want? Don't say, "I'm open to suggestion" first.

You are plenty marketable. You're a veteran, you're used to hard work, you're used to a variety of situations and know how to think on your feet and act quickly, because of that you think you'd be great for a position doing whatever the hell you want. So ask for it.

Seriously, what do you want to do? Landscaping? "I can follow a plan, stay on my feet for hours, love the outdoors and can dig a hell of a ditch." See? Says what you want AND makes a bit of a joke.

Okay, that's the one that I had off the of my head and now I have to go to do some stuff before J has to get back to work.

Wear solid, flattering colors and more makeup than you might think, but nothing with shimmer. Wear non-dangling jewelry and keep it simple.

Write what you absolutely want to get across down and keep it in your brain, and pretty much no matter what they ask you, use that as an opportunity to bring up those points. "I'm so glad you asked me about that because it reminds me that....

If you want to talk/email later, let me know. I used to teach people how to do this.

Re: Advice from a former professional

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Thank you! You have no idea how much I appreciate your help. I'm trying to get my brain to start working again, but I think once I do, I need to sit down and really contemplate everything you've said. I think once I get my head around what I really want, I can give it everything I have, and like you said, why the hell not? And I think I'll have to take you up on your offer to talk, as all I can think right now is, "Ummmmmm... I like chocolate?" Yeah, not too coherent.

*Hugs*

[shirebound]

Whoooot! What an unexpectedly cool thing! I see you've got some great advice here. The only thing I might add is to put yourself in the shoes of employers who might be watching. What qualities are employers looking for in their staff? What do you offer? Dress well, be outgoing and positive, and keep in mind that veterans are national treasures.

*twirls you*

[piplover.livejournal.com]

*Hugs you tight*

Thanks, sweetie, that's some good advice. I think I'm going to make my list of what I want to be when I grow up and how I can get there now.

*Twirls around the room with you*

[dreamflower]

You've already gotten some great advice. I think it's a good opportunity for you!

You might check here: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Jobclub Tory Johnson is ABC's workplace expert, and she usually has some sensible ideas.

The only thing I will add is that remember that you have a whole load of people who will be sending good wishes your way! We know that you are sharp, talented, brave and intelligent, and that you deserve a great job!

One thing you might consider is putting your writing skills to work; believe it or not, there is a great demand for people who can actually put a coherent sentence together.

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the link, that's great! And thank you for the support. My brain has settled a little bit now and I'm more able to think clearly, so I can really appreciate all the kindness everyone has shown me.

*Hugs you tight*

[bronwynferchdai.livejournal.com]

First off, regular breathing is important even for puppet-frogs. Make some notes and MEMORIZE them. The notes are just for you to order your thoughts and to have something to clutch if need be.

Also, darling, remember that it's radio. No one can see you. It's all about what you say, so take a breath and say it. You know what you're good at, so tell them. What can it hurt?
Best of luck,
Bronwyn

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it is on TV, eep! But you're right, I need to make notes for myself and memorize them, get my head on straight. Will all of you backing me up, I think I'll be able to pull this off!

You've all been so awesome, thank you for helping me calm the hamster in my brain down. He was getting kind of tired of running in circles.

*Deep breath!*

[bronwynferchdai.livejournal.com]

Oh, I misunderstood the radio/TV part. But! You'll do fine! I'd tell you to imagine everyone naked but I always get really distracted when I do that. I think my imagination maybe a little too vivid.

*HUGS*
Bronwyn

[mik100.livejournal.com]

ahhh, this is so great! I'm so happy for you!

I think that talking about your military service is important, but also the fact that you're just out of school! You want to work!

Worst think I ever did in an interview:
"So, what did you do to prepare for this interview?"
"Nothing. I mean, what can you really DO to prepare. Until I know what kind of questions you're going to be asking me, I can't really do much."

I did not get the job

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Ahahah, that sounds like something I would say! I hate when they ask, "So, tell us about yourself." I'm always like, "Ummmm....I like... chocolate?" My brain goes totally blank!

Hopefully I'll be ready by Wednesday, I plan on making a list of things I'm good at and what jobs I want this weekend, so I can go in there and not look like a total goober.

[feaxede-steorra.livejournal.com]

I don't think I can give any advice, as I would be scared to death too. All I can offer you is *good luck* :-)

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Ahh, thanks hon! I think I need that more than anything right now.

*Hugs*