The Job Interview Question, "Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work and how you dealt with it." breaks interviews. Fail it, and you head toward the bottom of the list. Answer well, and you'll stand out - even from other candidates with better skills.In this episode, I share the mistakes people make when answering this, how to get it right, and five answer examples and templates you can use.

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http://lifeafterthelayoff.com/

A free live masterclass on August 19 featuring three career experts and ME!! Sharing strategies to recover from a layoff, rebuild confidence, and get hired fast — with Q&A included.

RSVP TODAY!

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Feeling stuck in your job or unsure how to pivot careers? In this episode, career strategist Stephen Short shares 20+ years of experience helping people find fulfilling work—and ace interviews along the way. Whether you're job hunting, considering a career change, or aiming for a promotion, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable strategies.

You’ll learn:

• Why 50% of people feel professionally stuck—and how to change that
• The 2 key qualities every interviewer is really looking for
• Why long interview processes may signal red flags about a company
• How to identify your true transferable skills (especially if you're pivoting industries)
• What separates the 99% of frustrated job seekers from the top 1% who land great roles
• How to use assessments to clarify your next move (without relying on buzzword tests)
• A free tool that gives you a short list of careers you'll actually enjoy

Plus, download Stephen’s free ebook “Your Next Career” for tools, interview tips, and clarity on what’s next.

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What attitude should you have for your interview? Confident? Nervous? Humble? Smart?

In this listener Q&A, we cover the difference between feeling and attitude and how to have the right mindset for your interview.

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Be the Unicorn Book: 
https://a.co/d/e2h15zL

Be the Unicorn Website: 
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/be-the-unicorn

Vanderbloemen Staffing:
https://www.vanderbloemen.com

William Vanderbloemen, CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group, has conducted over 30,000 interviews and joins us to share how you can stand out as a candidate. Drawing from his extensive experience, William offers practical tips on:

• Answering "Tell me about yourself" to impress any interviewer.
• Writing cover letters and resumes that catch attention.
• Navigating salary conversations with confidence.
• Aligning your strengths with the right job opportunities.

William also introduces insights from his book, Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest, teaching habits to help you shine in your career and interviews.

Whether you're starting out or aiming for the C-suite, this episode will help you take control of your job search. Don’t quit on Monday—your dream job is out there!

Interview question "Tell us about a time you received negative feedback" has hidden depths.
It's not just about weaknesses: It reveals how you react to criticism, assess your skills, and approach improvement.
Good answers: Acknowledge weakness, explain how you learned from it, and showcase growth.
Bad answers: Blame others, make excuses, dwell on the past mistake.
Tip: If you've never received major negative feedback, discuss seeking feedback for improvement.

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• Introduction to Positivity: This year’s focus is on how positivity can transform your personal growth, job search, interviews, and overall career trajectory.
• Defining Positivity: It’s not just happiness—it’s choosing hope, proactivity, and a solution-focused mindset despite challenges.
• Benefits in Career Growth:
  • Positivity boosts resilience in a fast-changing work world.
  • It enhances networking, opportunity recognition, and professional development.
• Job Search Mindset:
  • Reframe rejection as a step closer to the right fit, not a failure.
  • Treat every interview as a chance to refine skills and build confidence.
  • Celebrate small wins (e.g., second-round interviews, resume praise) to stay motivated.
  • Set realistic goals: break the job search into manageable milestones (e.g., 5 applications/day, 1 meaningful conversation/week).
• Positivity in Interviews:
  • Show confidence (not arrogance) with a can-do attitude and positive language (e.g., “I haven’t done that yet, but here’s how I’d approach it”).
  • Genuine enthusiasm—let employers see your excitement for the role through tone, eye contact, and energy.
• On the Job:
  • Maintain positivity by seeking solutions, encouraging colleagues, and investing in your growth (e.g., courses, reading, conferences).
  • Small acts of support (e.g., offering help, kind words) build a collaborative environment.
• Tips to Foster Positivity:
  • Gratitude Journaling: Reflect daily on professional things you’re thankful for.
  • Mindful Habits: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and short breaks to recharge.
  • Positive Network: Surround yourself with uplifting, like-minded professionals.
  • Visualize Success: Picture thriving in interviews or roles to boost focus and confidence.
• Closing Thoughts: Positivity isn’t a guarantee, but it significantly increases resilience, interview success, and career growth—let’s embrace it together!

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A single, career-defining question: “Can I create disproportionate value here - and will the organization reward it in the ways that matter to me?”

• Matthew shares the #1 question you must ask yourself before committing to a new job.
• Learn how to align your personal value creation with what a company truly rewards.
• Understand the difference between big bureaucratic vs. small fast-growing companies for your career path.
• Discover how to rank your priorities: time, money, autonomy, and more.
• Get practical interview questions to uncover whether a job fits your long-term goals.
• Explore how to assess if a role offers real growth or just a paycheck.

Key Question:
Can I create disproportionate value here - and will they reward it in ways that matter to me?

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Apply at: moveupcareers.com/coaching 

Limited spots. Matthew personally reviews every application.

What Really Happens After the Interview

• Final decisions are made in a closed-door meeting most candidates never see.
• Story: Two equal candidates—one played it safe, one challenged a market assumption. The bold one got the $180K offer.
• Perfect answers don’t win offers. Problem-solvers do.

The 3 Tables You Must Win

1. Recruiter:
   • They scan fast—resume must scream “perfect fit” in seconds.
2. CEO/Owner:
   • They care about business value—solve their urgent problem.
3. VP Panel:
   • They eliminate risk—one misstep and you’re out.

Knowing vs. Winning

• Most candidates know the rules. Few have the tools to win.
• You need insider strategy, real training, and expert guidance.

The Unfair Advantage Program

For serious professionals ready to win high-stakes roles

• 1-on-1 coaching (no group calls)
• Resume & LinkedIn rebuilt by a former talent VP
• NDA-protected scripts for 30%+ salary boosts
• Hidden job market access & interview domination
• Unlimited support + onboarding strategy