Netflix does it!
Cristina is a human resources practitioner, fellow alumnae from Oxford Women in Leadership programme and part of our wilm&a community. After a recent zoom catch-up, she picked up on vital insights about why women are hesitant about going through the recruitment process when you are not necessarily ‘looking for another job’.
Read her advice below about why you should say YES to that interview!
Throughout my professional life as a human resources practitioner, and in my multiple personal roles as wife, sister, colleague and friend, I have had the opportunity to influence others regarding the importance of going through internal and external recruiting exercises.
Why say yes?
1. LEARNING CURVE
a) You will learn more about yourself and what sort of positions and organisations appeal to you.
b) Skill gap analysis-what are the must have skills sets in the current market
You can then ask yourself these questions:
Do I want to continue in this role or industry?
What are the steps I need to take to get to the next level? And are there any gaps in my skill set that require addressing?
2. BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING
We still earn 20-30% less than our male counter parts! Going through this process you will gain an understanding of your real market value including negotiating practice. Equip yourself, information is power!
3. PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS
It is normal to get ‘butterflies’ before an interview, however you will have a renewed sense of accomplishment once the interview has been finalised. Even if you don’t want or don’t get the job. Also it will increase your confidence to be at the top of your game when ‘THE’ position comes up!
4. OPPORTUNITY
Participating in recruiting processes is a unique opportunity for increasing your self-awareness, exercising self-promoting skills, and enhancing your network. It could also allow you to appreciate your current role and organisation, perhaps even open the door that leads to your next challenge.
5. PERSPECTIVE
We get to see ourselves from the eyes of the interviewer and get a fresh perspective of our professional profile. When we are preparing ourselves for an interview, we normally obtain feedback that increases our self-awareness and will allow us to have valuable information to continue honing our professional-development plan.
And if you are wondering this is wrong, am I cheating my current or potential employer? No, you are taking the lead on your career and being proactive about your future. Hey, if Netflix does it! Well sort of, Netflix are certainly forward thinking in this arena, they actually encourage their employees to interview for other jobs to know their market value and ask what did they learn from going through the exercise.
I would like this post to encourage you to position yourself for success! So, next time you see a job post that catches your eye, or find yourself daydreaming about your next challenge, feel empowered to go for it! ✔Click apply, ✔respond to your LinkedIn invites and ✔say a big YES to an opportunity of knowing yourself more.
