Question: When is it appropriate to take notes at an interview?

The short answer: never. As soon as you take notes, you disengage from the conversation. It changes the dynamic of the interview from the focus being on interaction to one of you taking notes. Over the course of a 20 minute or one-hour interview, you will leave the impression that you can’t hold a conversation. The last thing you want to do is convey an inability to engage and be present in conversation.

The best course of action is to find a quiet place immediately after the interview such as a cafe or even your car, and write detailed notes while the conversation is still fresh in your mind.

Question: How do I position or represent myself to a potential employer?

I was recently asked this question by someone who did her graduate work in molecular biology at MIT. She realized she didn’t want to pursue an academic career, and was interested in technology transfer. She decided to approach law firms that specialized in Intellectual Property, since  her background was a clear fit for the role, however, she was unsure of how to position or represent herself.

My advice to her was to take inventory of what you already have. In other words; create a Value Inventory. Here’s how you can do the same.

Make a list of your expertise: titles you’ve held, your education, industries you’ve worked in, scientific research, technical skills, publications, data analysis and reporting,  as well as  technical and scientific writing, and include grants that were awarded.

Next, think about the soft skills you need to function on a team in this type of professional environment. Clearly describe your interpersonal skills, as well as your ability to communicate, collaborate and manage projects.

Finally, include any volunteer work, clubs, organizations, awards and achievements. Use this information as a basis from which you present yourself so that anyone you speak with has a clear picture of who you are.

I started it because people ask me a lot of questions about their careers. Those of you who know me (or will get to know me) understand that I have a lot of opinions, and I am passionate about moving careers forward. In fact, that’s what I’ve been helping people in the science and technology industries do for the past 16 years.

Here’s what I know to be true. In today’s marketplace:

• It’s essential that you package yourself from an expertise perspective and be able to articulate your successes.
• It’s necessary to network with a purpose and direction and be able to tell your “career story”.
• It’s a prerequisite to know how to interview effectively, and recognize different communication styles as well as your own.

On this blog, I’ll be addressing questions and issues related to moving your career forward.

I’ll provide strategies for:

• Crafting your career story
• Making the most of your informational interviews
• Successful interview outcomes
• Dealing with bad bosses
• Any questions you may have

Tell me what’s on your mind!